The place of sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose vein disease

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate effectiveness of the scleroobliteration in the treatment of small-diameter varicose veins.Materials and Methods. The analysis incorporated the results of sclerotherapy in 135 patients, comprising those with telangiectasias and reticular varicose veins (n=95) and those with varicose dilation of aberrant subcutaneous veins (n=40) with intact trunks of major and/or minor subcutaneous veins of the lower extremities. The sample included 111 women (82.2%) and 24 men (17.8%), with an average age of 35.2±6.5 years.For the obliteration of expanded subcutaneous veins, two sclerotherapy techniques were employed: liquid (n=65) and foam-form (n=70), prepared as per the L. Tessari method. Sclerosants used were a 0.5–3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate solution (“Fibro vein”) (ATC code: C05BB04) (n=69) or a 1-3% polidocanol solution (“Ethoxisclerol”) (ATC code: C05BB02) (n=66).A detailed analysis was carried out of all complications that developed during and at various times post-sclerotherapy, and the effectiveness of the treatment, which depended on the diameter of the expanded veins and the thoroughness of the procedure.Results. The technical success of the procedure was registered at 100%. The overall frequency of complications post-sclerotherapy was 20.7%, including 27.7% with the liquid form and 14.3% with the foam form of sclerosants (p<0.001). Intradermal and subcutaneous hemorrhages were observed in 10 (7.4%) patients, allergic reactions in 8 (5.9%), localized skin necrosis in 3 (2.2%), folliculitis in 3 (2.2%), and localized purulent complications in 2 (1.5%). Micro-air embolism of the pulmonary artery branches due to exceeding the established norm of air volume during foam sclerotherapy was recorded in 2 (2.9%) cases.Following one session, a positive sclerotherapy effect was noted in 45.9% of patients. The necessity for additional sclerotherapy courses was indicated for over half the patients, with the effectiveness rising to 97.8% after 3 or more courses.Conclusion. Sclerotherapy, being an effective minimally invasive method, is significantly impactful in treating reticular varices and telangiectasias. Greater efficiency and a lower rate of complications have been observed with the use of foam form sclerosant. Proper selection of sclerosant volume and concentration is essential for the prevention and reduction of sclerotherapy complications.