Name of the Procedure:

Injection of Sclerosant; Single Incompetent Vein (Other than Telangiectasia)

• Common Name: Sclerotherapy

Summary

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution called a sclerosant directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade from view.

Purpose

Sclerotherapy is used to eliminate varicose veins that are not functioning properly.

• Goals: To reduce or eliminate visible varicose veins, improve circulation, alleviate symptoms like pain and swelling, and improve the cosmetic appearance of the legs.

Indications

• Symptoms warranting the procedure: Aching, pain, swelling, and cramping in the legs due to varicose veins.
• Conditions: Varicose veins that are not adequately managed through conservative treatments like compression stockings or lifestyle changes.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure instructions: Patients may be advised to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or blood thinners several days before the procedure.
• Tests: A physical exam and possibly an ultrasound to evaluate the veins.

Procedure Description

1. Step 1: The patient lies down with the legs slightly elevated.
2. Step 2: The targeted vein is cleansed and marked.
3. Step 3: Using a fine needle, the sclerosant solution is injected into the vein.
4. Step 4: Compression is applied to the treated area to help the vein collapse.
   • Tools: Needle, sclerosant solution, compression bandages.
   • Anesthesia: Typically none or local anesthesia in some cases.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and number of veins treated.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic or doctor's office.

Personnel

• Vascular surgeon or interventional radiologist.
• Nursing staff for assistance.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Bruising, redness, and mild pain at the injection site.
• Rare Complications: Blood clot formation, air bubbles in the bloodstream, allergic reaction to the sclerosant solution.

Benefits

• Reduced appearance of varicose veins.
• Alleviation of related symptoms such as pain and swelling.
• Improvement can be seen within a few weeks.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care: Wearing compression stockings for a few weeks, walking to promote circulation.
• Expected recovery time: Most patients can resume normal activities immediately but should avoid heavy exercise for a few days.
• Follow-up: Scheduled appointments to monitor the treated veins.

Alternatives

• Other treatments: Laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, vein stripping surgery.
• Pros and cons: Less invasive procedures like laser therapy may have fewer side effects, but sclerotherapy is often more effective for larger veins.

Patient Experience

• During: Mild discomfort or stinging sensation from the injection.
• After: Some soreness or bruising in the treated area, which should resolve within a few days.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by the physician.