Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins using sclerotherapy

What are varicose veins of the lower limbs?

Varicose veins of the lower limbs are irreversibly dilated, elongated, and twisted superficial veins (located just under the skin) and perforators, which are veins that connect the superficial veins with the deep venous system.

Valve abnormalities in the veins can cause backward blood flow into the superficial system, leading to its excessive stretching and overload. Consequently, this results in the dilation and elongation of veins and the formation of varicose veins.

Varicose veins of the lower limbs may appear as:

• Spider veins, which consist of dilated small vessels located superficially in the skin. They are a visible cosmetic defect but rarely cause pain.
• Reticular varicose veins, a network of twisted small veins located under the skin, behind the knees or on the lateral surfaces of the calves or thighs. These varicose veins are not painful and rarely cause limb swelling.
• Varicose veins of the main venous trunks – the great saphenous and small saphenous veins. They are most often found on the inner surface of the limb or on the back of the calf. They cause symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

Causes of varicose veins of the lower limbs

It is believed that the main cause of varicose veins of the lower limbs is genetic predisposition, causing abnormalities of venous valves or vein wall disorders.

Other factors that may contribute to the development of varicose veins of the lower limbs include:

• pregnancy, during which pressure on veins by the enlarged uterus and hormonal effects on the vein walls may occur
• standing work
• age – the incidence of varicose veins increases with age
• heavy lifting
• overweight and obesity

Treatment of Lower Limb Varicose Veins

If you experience any concerning symptoms, please consult a specialist doctor as soon as possible!

An appropriately early assessment of the venous system can prevent disease progression and help avoid serious problems such as deep vein thrombophlebitis causing venous ulcers located on the lower legs. Ulcers are very difficult to treat and represent a serious issue for patients, often for life.

The recommended examination of the venous system is Doppler ultrasound, which allows the specialist doctor performing the examination to precisely visualize the veins, especially regarding possible damage.

The method of interventional treatment is always decided by the surgical specialist who will perform the procedure. The doctor proposes the appropriate treatment method to the patient depending on the Doppler ultrasound results, after identifying which veins and valves are insufficient, and after assessing the overall health condition.

Sclerotherapy of Lower Limb Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical method for treating venous diseases, involving the injection of a special solution into the vein lumen, which causes morphological changes in the varicose vein wall leading to its closure. This agent, in the form of foam or liquid, is administered into the varicose vein or vein using a needle under ultrasound guidance. After the procedure, the doctor applies a compression dressing (bandaging the limb with an elastic bandage) or recommends the patient purchase and wear a special graduated compression stocking at the end of the procedure.

It should be remembered that the optimal effect is usually achieved only after several months!

Benefits for Patients Undergoing Sclerotherapy

• Effective procedure providing a lasting therapeutic effect
  Protects the patient from disease progression
• Excellent aesthetic results
  No scars after the procedure, as the special solution is administered into the vessels using a needle.
• Minimally invasive procedure
  The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. The patient can return home immediately after the procedure while following the instructions of the performing doctor.
• The procedure is well tolerated by patients
  It can be used in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities that contraindicate procedures under general anesthesia.