Sclerotherapy for leg varicose veins

Abstract

Sclerotherapy has been used since the 1940s as an alternative or adjunct to surgery for all types of leg varicose veins. However, its role in the management of this condition, particularly in relation to other types of treatment, has yet to be determined. There is still no convincing evidence to support or not support its use for symptomatic varicose veins. Sclerotherapy appears to be the treatment of choice in managing reticular varicosities and telangiectasia for relief of pain and/or discomfort and vessel disappearance in the short term. Following surgery, sclerotherapy may achieve good results in varicose veins that have not fully disappeared or recur. Its use as the first treatment option for large varicose veins remains controversial. Currently, the appropriate techniques and sclerosants to be used for various types of leg varicose veins are still debated. Future research is needed to establish uniform and objective diagnostic and patient selection criteria, definitions for treatment failure and vein recurrence, and outcome measures. Further objective evaluation of the efficacy and appropriate use of the numerous sclerotherapy techniques is essential.