Sclerotherapy for Varicose Vein

Abstract

Sclerotherapy for varicose vein has longer history compared to other treatment options, is indicated for various type of varicose veins, and low cost, repeatable treatment without complicated medical equipment. Sclerotherapy is often performed with additional treatments for better outcome. The optimal form of sclerosants (liquid or foam) depends on the type of varicose veins. The usefulness of sclerotherapy should be evaluated from not only anatomical vein occlusion but also costs and patients QOL although the recanalization is not rare after sclerotherapy. The opportunity of performing sclerotherapy as main procedures for saphenous varicose veins decreased because catheter endovenous ablation is preferred for interruption of saphenous vein reflux. However, sclerotherapy is applied for residual varicose veins, recurrent varicose veins and special cases which is hard to be applied catheter endovenous ablation. Therefore, physicians perform the treatment for varicose veins should obtain the knowledge and techniques of sclerotherapy.