Abstract
Aims
To review the results and cost of a rolling ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) treatment programme for patients with chronic superficial venous insufficiency.
Method
A prospective study of a rolling treatment programme where patients were offered unlimited follow-up at intervals of 6–8 weeks and further (top up) UGFS when necessary, until occlusion criteria were met.
Results
A total of 213 lower limbs with complete follow-up were included in the study. Median (range) age was 57 (16–94) years, maximum diameter of varicose vein was 10 (3–18) mm, C of CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) was 4 (2–6), number of treatment sessions was one (1–4) and follow-up was three (1.5–33) months. Satisfactory occlusion could not be achieved in nine (4%) limbs. The ratio of odds (95% CI) for requiring more than one treatment session was 3.58 (1.46–8.77), P = 0.002 for great saphenous varicosity and 2.11 (1.13–3.94), P = 0.015 for age 50 or more.
There were 20 (9.3%) immediate and 63 (29.5%) delayed adverse effects. All were minor except for one cutaneous nerve injury, one pulmonary embolism and one infected haematoma. The ratio for odds (95% CI) for post-treatment skin discolouration was 2.59 (1.14–5.87), P = 0.017 for women and 1.32 (1.02–1.71), P = 0.032 for increasing sclerosant volume used. Service line costing per completed treatment episode was £115.22 (€130.07, $188.60).
Conclusion
UGFS in a rolling treatment programme is safe and can achieve high occlusion rates at a low cost. Patients above the age of 50 with great saphenous varicosity are likely to require more than one treatment session.
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