Sclerotherapy
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure (of vascular surgery) used in the treatment of venectasia and reticulated veins (small venous dilations > of 3 mm, superficially visible subtegumentary as red, blue or purple "veins").
How to perform the procedure
The procedure is performed in an outpatient regime, which means that after the intervention we can continue our usual daily activities without the need for hospitalization. Before performing the procedure, a Doppler scan of the venous bed is routinely performed to establish the route of the dilated veins to be treated but also of those with valvular incompetence or blood reflux.
After sterilization of the skin overlying the venous dilatations, a sclerosing agent is introduced into the veins (using a fine needle) as a solution. The injected sclerosing agent causes inflammation of the venous endothelium followed by tissue fibrosis and closure of the vascular lumen. After the operation, it is necessary to place a sterile compress on the venous puncture, followed by the application of an elastic bandage with an indication for wearing for the next 2-3 days.
It is recommended to wear elastic stockings for 3 weeks after surgical treatment and the administration of anti-inflammatory and sometimes anticoagulants depending on the indication of the attending physician.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes and the number of sessions can be between 4 and 6 depending on the extent of the venectasia, the diameter of the venous dilatations and the patient's age.
Post-procedural complications are rare and may include thrombophlebitis, tissue necrosis, scarring, hyperpigmentation, local allergic reactions, neoangiogenesis (new vessel formation), edema or pruritus (itchy skin in the treated area).
Contraindications to the procedure are represented by:
- Existence of massive venous dilatations accompanied by blood reflux;
- Acute venous thrombosis;
- Allergy to the sclerosing agent that is used for the procedure;
- Pregnancy.
When do we use sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is used successfully in the treatment of varicose veins but also in:
- Telangectasias (vascular stars or superficial venous dilatations> 1mm);
- Reticulated veins (non-palpable subdermal dilatations of blue color with diameter> 3mm);
- Isolated varicose veins of the lower limb;
- Recurrent varicose veins.