Understanding Sclerotherapy

The injection of a sclerosing agent into a vein that produces inflammation is called sclerotherapy. It is quite a common method to treat varicose veins that are twisted,elongated,and dilated. The treatment of sclerotherapy gets completed in about fifteen to forty five minutes.

Initially in the procedure, the legs would be photographed for medical records. The skin over the varicose veins would be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The doctor or nurse would then inject the sclerosing agent into the veins that are affected. To ensure that the procedure takes place with precision, bright, indirect light and magnification are used.

One injection is used for every inch of affected veins. Around five to forty injections are administered in one treatment session. A compression tape is then applied to every area of the leg as the procedure gets finished. The compression bandage needs to be tied for about two weeks. The patient is even suggested to walk regularly during this time. The pain caused in the process is very minimal because the needle that is used is very thin and the sclerosing agent is very mild. A mild burning sensation is felt.

After every session of sclerotherapy,the veins start to appear lighter but it would be quite wrong to think that every varicose vein would disappear completely. Usually two or more sessions are required to achieve optimal results.

One important thing to note is that the treatment cures only those veins that are visible to the doctor and the venous system is not changed completely. It also does not ensure the prevention of new veins from erupting in future.

There are also certain complications involved in this therapy. The risks that are associated with this therapy are blood clot formation in the veins,inflammation, allergic reactions from sclerosing solution and injuries on the skin which could leave a permanenet scar. Another complication related is the brown blotches on the affected part which may fade after several months.

The risks or complications associated can be minimized if you choose a doctor who has sufficient training in sclerotherapy and has enough knowledge of types of sclerosing agents. He can help you to select the appropriate sclerosing medication. Sclerotherapy is preferred over laser treatment. This is because unlike the laser,the sclerosing agent used helps to close those veins that cause the varicose veins to form. This makes the recurrence of varicose veins in that area less likely.

Sclerotherapy can be performed by another method and that is foam sclerotherapy which is done with the use of microfoam sclerosants under the guidance of ultrasound for treatment of larger veins. Foam sclerotherapy involves injection of foamed sclerosant drugs in a blood vessel.

Sclerotherapy is a method that is quite simple and many surgeons use it. It also gives relief from the common symptoms like pain, burning sensation, cramps, swelling etc.