The role of sclerotherapy in the management of varicose veins

Abstract

Varicose veins are dilated branches of the great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein; the incidence of varicose veins varies from 10% to 30%. Risk factors of varicose veins include family history, age, and pregnancy; a possible risk factor is standing for a long period of time. High ligation and stripping is the traditional approach for varicose veins, yet a variety of alternative options have been used in recent decades, such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), foam sclerotherapy (FS), or TriVex Surgery has been the most often used treatment for varicose veins. Sclerotherapy refers to introduction of sclerosing solution into the varicose veins, which causes endothelial damage and subsequent fibrosis. Sclerotherapy is being practised extensively by dermatosurgeons in the west. However, there are no Indian studies which specifically evaluate the role of sclerotherapy in the management of varicose veins and its skin complications. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sclerotherapy in managing varicose veins and its complications.