Basic Techniques in Sclerotherapy for Leg Varicose Veins

Abstract

In treatment of varicose veins, sclerotherapy plays an important role both when used alone and in combination with other forms of therapy such as stripping or high ligations. However, the treatment outcome in sclerotherapy might depend on the skillfulness of techniques. We want to stress the following basic techniques, therefore, in order to obtain good clinical results and minimize the complications. (1) Injection volume of sclerosing agent should be limited to 0.5 ml. (2) The concentration of the sclerosant must be changed according to the size of varicose veins. (3) The injection of sclerosant is carried out in a so-called “empty vein”, in which the injection is made in patients with the leg elevated. Local digital compression during and after injection might be useful for achieving an “empty vein”. (4) Effective compression should be applied after sclerotherapy.