LIQUID SCLEROTHERAPY – PHARMACOLOGICAL OBLITERATION

Sclerotherapy - is a method of treating "simple" varicose veins and intradermal venous dilatations - venulectasia, commonly known as spider veins. It involves administering a sclerosing agent (e.g. Aetoxysklerol) into the lumen of the vessel that we want to remove. The medicine is administered using very small pre-filled syringes, and the injections are almost painless. The injected drug works by causing a control inflammatory reaction in the vein wall. Proteins contained in the venous wall and proteins contained in the blood bind and inactivate the administered agent. Such deactivation occurs already at the site of injection, and its strength decreases with the distance from the injection site. Further vessels in the body are not destroyed by the chemical agent. However, the veins constrict, the irritated vein wall becomes fibrous, blood flow stops and within a few days to a few weeks the vein is no longer visible. As a result, the vessel closes. Sclerotherapy treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and generally takes 20-30 minutes. After the procedure, the patient returns to daily activities. It is necessary to wear an elastic bandage according to the doctor's recommendations. The patient should walk a lot. Immediately after the procedure, erythema and swelling occur at the injection site. During sclerotherapy of larger varicose veins, hardening and tenderness to touch in the closed vessel may persist for several weeks. The healing time depends on the diameter of the vessel being closed, its stage of advancement and the individual abilities of the body. Obtaining a good result often requires several treatments. Each sclerotherapy treatment is preceded by a surgical consultation and an ultrasound examination of the veins.

What are the indications for sclerotherapy?

The indication for its performance is the presence of venulectasia, commonly called spider veins, on the lateral and medial surface of the thigh, under the knees and on the lower legs. Small varicose veins on the thighs and lower legs with normal, functional main venous trunks are also a good indication. Sclerotherapy is often used as an adjunct after surgical treatment when the lesions on the legs are so small that they cannot be removed surgically.

What should you do after the procedure?

After the procedure, the leg is bandaged or compression tights are put on for 7 days. The healing process lasts from several to several weeks, depending on the advancement of the primary lesions. During this period, patients return to their daily activities.

• Before the procedure and during the recovery period, we recommend using Rutinoscorbin
• After the treatment, exposure to light is absolutely prohibited

How many treatments should be performed?

It depends on the patient's venous system. During the first visit, each patient's venous system is assessed using a detailed ultrasound examination. Then, an individual treatment and prevention regimen is established to achieve optimal results. Obtaining a good effect usually requires several sessions.

Can there be complications after the procedure?

Despite the proven great safety of this method, the following may occur:

• Bruises
• Discoloration
• Ankle swelling
• Painfulness of the injected vein
• Local allergic reaction to the administered agent

How often do relapses occur?

In the case of chronic vein problems, the chances of the disease coming back depend on several factors:

• Compliance with treatment protocol
• Appropriate secondary varicose vein prevention
• Way of life
• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Avoiding excess weight

Many patients do not comply with recommendations or discontinue treatment too early, which is a major source of relapses and failures.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Previous deep vein thrombosis
• Atherosclerosis of the lower limbs
• Diabetic microangiopathy
• Hypertension
• Varicose veins too large
• Obesity
• Use of drugs that reduce blood clotting, e.g. aspirin