Publication:

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulphate for residual and minor varicosities

Background Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) is becoming an accepted standard of treatment varicose veins. It is a relatively safe, effective inexpensive method in limited, small varicose veins.This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of UGFS using sodium tetradecyl sulphate (setrol) in patients presenting with minor varicosities and residual varicosities of lower limb.

Methods 78 patients with minor varicosities or residual varicosities post-surgery who presented between January2015 and June2016 at KR hospital attached to Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru, underwent ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy with 0.5ml (at a single session) setrol prepared as a foam by Tessari technique. The efficacy criterion was the disappearance of the varicosities and improvement in symptoms and signs: 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 was reported in 96% of cases (74 patients). Disappearance or decrease of varicose veins was observed in all patients (100%). Phlebitis and pigmentation as a complication was noted in 5 (7%) and 9 (11.5%) cases respectively. Major complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, dyspnoea, anaphylaxis, or neurological abnormalities, were not reported.

Conclusions Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for minor varicosities and residual varicosities with sodium tetra decyl sulphate is a safe and satisfactory method of treatment of minor and residual varicosities.