A Case of Phlebitis Removal That Developed at an Untreated Tributary after Cyanoacrylate Closure for Varicose Veins

Abstract

In this study, we encountered a case in which phlebitis developed at an untreated superficial tributary due to glue inflow during the course of cyanoacrylate closure for varicose veins of lower extremities, which was eventually removed as it could not be relieved with oral treatment. The patient was a 75-year-old male who undervent cyanoacrylate closure for right great saphenous vein(GSV) trunk. Time passed without significant inflammation at the GSV trunk, however redness and induration with pain developed at an untreated tributary in the first week postoperatively, which was diagnosed as phlebitis. There were no general symptons or skin lesions in other parts, and the patient was followed up with NSAIDs administration. However the inflammation did not subside after treatment, and the pain persisted. Thus, operation was performed to remove the induration. Histopathological examination confirmed glue in the blood vessels and inflammation associated with a foreign-body reaction. There was no recurrence of inflammation at the GSV trunk, but long-term follow-up is recommended.