This guideline focuses on the two sclerosing drugs which are licensed in the majority of the European countries, polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulphate. Other sclerosants are not discussed in detail. The guideline gives recommendations concerning indications, contraindications, side-effects, concentrations, volumes, technique and efficacy of liquid and foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins and venous malformations.

This study demonstrates in a large sample of patients a low rate of adverse reactions after FS of great and small saphenous trunks. However, but the eventuality of exceptional but more serious complications has to be taken into account in the management of patients. A multicentre study like this one takes into account different practices and reports all possible complications, thus demonstrating the need for a common validated protocol.

These results show that VDs occurring after FS correspond to MA and are not transient ischaemic cerebro-vascular events. We suggest a pathophysiological hypothesis resting on the release of endothelin that would reach the cerebral cortex through a paten foramen ovale.

Complications and side-effects of careful foam sclerotherapy remain uncommon. However, more research is needed to understand them better and to further reduce their incidence. Their description to patients in the course of the informed consent is a prerequisite to any sclerosing treatment.

Foam sclerotherapy is a recognized reference method in the treatment of varicose veins of all types. This study demonstrates that polidocanol is a safe sclerosing agent in the short and long term.