Clinical results of polidocanol sclerotherapy in venous malformation treatment: Patient-perceived improvement and satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose This study evaluated the results of polidocanol sclerotherapy in the treatment of venous malformations (VM) including patient satisfaction, perceived improvement, and predictors of satisfaction. Material and Method Patients with VM that underwent polidocanol foam sclerotherapy between June 2013 and July 2021 in a single center were retrospectively evaluated. Patient demographics, VM, and treatment characteristics were analyzed. Patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction were analyzed with a questionnaire. Results This study included 232 (136, 58.6%, female) patients. The mean age was 24.49 ± 12.45 years (range 3–72). The clinical response rate was 82.3%. The rate of satisfaction was 82.3%, and 116 (50%) patients were significantly satisfied. There were no major complications. Clinical response and VM margin were related to satisfaction ( p < 0.01, p = 0.012, respectively). Clinical response to pretreatment swelling was related to significant satisfaction ( p = 0.02). Conclusion Polidocanol sclerotherapy was safe and effective in VM treatment with high satisfaction and low complication rates.

Clinical outcomes and predictors of bleomycin polidocanol foam sclerotherapy treatment response in venous malformations

“… 39 Predictors of lesion volume change and subjective measures vary widely in previous reports, with some studies finding no predictive factors, while some factors, such as size, lesion diffusion, sex, and number of sclerotherapy sessions have been reported to impact sclerotherapy outcomes. 16 , 30 , 40 – 42 …”

“…Currently, there is no consensus on the ideal sclerosing agent, with common agents including absolute ethanol, polidocanol foam, bleomycin, and foam sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS). 13 – 16 While anhydrous ethanol has been considered the most effective sclerosing agent for reducing VMs volume, its use is associated with serious complications, such as bleeding and ulcers. 12 Recently, bleomycin polidocanol foam (BPF) has gained widespread acceptance in the treatment of VMs.…”

Sclerotherapy for congenital vascular malformations with mixing foam of polidocanol and liquid of bleomycin

“…Previous published studies have shown foam has much greater efficacy compared with liquid, with less sclerosing agent needed. [7][8][9][10][11] The concentration of polidocanol was 1%. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia.…”