2004 Volume 15 Issue 3 Pages 207-215
We have already studied and reported that the optimal concentrations of Polidocanol (POL) were 0.5% for less than 1mm varicose vein (Group 1), 1.0% for greater than 1mm and less than 3mm (Group 2), and 3.0% for more than 3mm (Group 3) in the treatment of varicose veins. To clarify the usefulness of these concentrations of POL, a double-blind and placebo-controlled study was conducted in multicenters. Between January 1998 and May 1999, 86 patients were divided into the three groups. The POL or placebo was selected by controlled double-blind method and a standard compression sclerotherapy was performed. The disappearance efficacy rates were as follows; 0.5% POL was 69.2%, 1.0% POL was 86.7% and 3.0% POL was 100%, which were significantly higher than those of placebo groups; 7.1%, 0% and 9.1% (p<0.05). There was no case with general complications and the localized side effects were intravariceal thrombosis of 35.6% and pigmentation of 22.2% with slight grade. In conclusion, compression sclerotherapy using the best suited concentration of POL is very effective and useful.
