Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of lower limb varicose veins: outcome and patient satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins are defined as dilated, tortuous, and elongated superficial veins of the lower limbs with incompetent valves. Varicose veins are described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as dilatation of the veins, which are sometimes tortuous. Varicose veins are divided into primary and secondary varicose veins according to their etiology. Sclerotherapy could be a minimally invasive technique that uses an injection of a special chemical (sclerosant) into varicosity to wreck and scar the inside lining of the vein. Resulting in blockage of the treated vein. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at Sohag University hospitals to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction following foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins. There have been 60 cases with lower limb varicosities whose mean age was 33.72 years (range, 20 -52). Females represented 62% of cases, while the remaining cases were males. As regards the duration of varicosities during this study, it had a mean of 6.03 years (range, 1 -12). The right leg was affected in 52% of cases, while the other cases had the left side affected. The large saphenous veins were treated with 3% Aethoxysclerol. Accessory great saphenous and short saphenous veins were treated with 2% Aethoxysclerol. Reticular veins and telangiectasia treated with 1% Aethoxysclerol Results: The cosmetic appearance showed a major improvement (p < 0.001) after our intervention. Pain sensation was significantly decreased after the intervention. Only 25% of cases reported that sensation after 1 week, which percent decreased all the way down to 3, 3, and seven during the following visits respectively. Saphenofemoral reflux was present in 48% of cases before the intervention, and it decreased all the way down to 7, 3, 3, and seven of cases at the scheduled follow-up visits respectively. Complications were reported by 28% of cases, Skin hyperpigmentation was the most common complication (22%), followed by visual disturbances (8%), and thrombophlebitis(7%). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy seemed to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency within the selected group of patients.