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. 2016;11(2):67-75.
doi: 10.5114/wiitm.2016.60579. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of great saphenous vein with 2% polidocanol - one-year follow-up results

Jacek Kurnicki  1 , Marcin Osęka  1 , Robert Tworus  1 , Zbigniew Gałązka  1
Affiliations

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of great saphenous vein with 2% polidocanol - one-year follow-up results

Jacek Kurnicki et al. Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne. 2016.

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of varicose veins is a useful treatment option. It is a relatively safe method in the case of limited, small varicose veins. In theory, a justified concern could be raised that the injection of an active drug into the large superficial venous vessels may potentially cause life-threatening consequences.

Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of UGFS using a 2% solution of polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol 2%) in the case of great saphenous vein incompetence.

Material and methods: Fifty-two patients with great saphenous vein incompetence underwent ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. The efficacy criterion was the elimination of reflux measured ultrasonographically and withdrawal or decrease of complaints: 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. Complications of sclerotherapy were reported during follow-up.

Results: Decrease or withdrawal of complaints of chronic venous insufficiency was reported in 96% of cases (50 patients). Disappearance or decrease of varicose veins was noted in all patients (100%). During examination after 12 months, full success of ultrasound was achieved in 38 (73%) cases, and 11 (21%) patients presented a partial desired effect according to the consensus from Tegernsee. Persistence of reflux longer than 1 s in the treated great saphenous vein was reported in 3 (6%) cases. Serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, anaphylaxis, or neurological abnormalities, were not recorded.

Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of incompetent great saphenous vein and varicosities with 2% polidocanol was found to be an effective and safe method of treatment during 1 year of observation. However, longer observation is necessary.

Keywords: Doppler ultrasound; foam sclerotherapy; polidocanol; ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy; varicose veins.

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Figures

Photo 1
Photo 1
A, B. Great saphenous vein a week after sclerotherapy in transverse and longitudinal projections; blood flow is not present
Photo 2
Photo 2
A, B. Great saphenous vein 1 month after therapy. Total occlusion of the vessels without any signs of revascularization
Photo 3
Photo 3
A–C. Great saphenous vein during follow- up 3, 6 and 12 months after therapy. The treated vein fully obliterated without any signs of patency in US
Photo 4
Photo 4
Hyperpigmentation 3 months after GSV foam sclerotherapy. Patient did not use compression stockings properly
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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