Is Foam Sclerotherapy effective on the larger variscosities of the legs and should this type of procedure be guided by ultrasound? A vascular surgeon stated ultasound guided Foam Sclerotherapy is safer than EVLT because of possible nerve damage.
In my experience of with foam sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy is effective on small and larger varicose veins, provided it is administered correctly by targeting only the varicosity without causing damage to deep and healthy veins.
Please note, the key is proper use of foam sclerotherapy which should be done under ultrasound guidance and based on detailed mapping of superfical veins system and reflux sources.
In my opinion, the treating physician must have proper training and experience with sclerotherapy of varicose veins. Foam sclerotherapy has different side effects than an EVLT. Foam Sclerotherapy is less likely to cause nerve damage but has a very small risk of embolism to a distant part of the body which EVLT doesn’t have. Both EVLT and foam sclerotherapy have a low risk of complications.
The choice between the two procedures should also take in consideration the effectiveness of the treatment and EVLT seldom has to be repeated whereas foam sclerotherapy often has to be repeated to see results.
Your doctor will discuss the risk and benefits of any treatment with you prior to embarking on any treatment.
- Dr. Wright
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April 1st, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I had Sclerotherapy 18 months ago. It was the 4th time (3 times no problem), 4th time was on a larger vein but the Dr. said it was routine. The instant the Aethoxy Sklerol / Macrogollaurylether – 50/50 dilution w/ saline was shot into my left outer thigh, I knew something wasn’t right. Long story short, the Dr. that did this was not much help in treating this complication (minor pain – but intense tingling, burning sensation when pressure is applied). I have been to some doctors (but I don’t believe they know too much about complications). I believe there has to be someone out there who can tell me what this complication is and how it can be treated. I have a CT and MRI. I am not sure if this is nerve damage, peroneal nerve damage, trapped solution / shot outside the vein, superficial thromboses, etc. – but definitely leaning towards nerve damage. If you can look my leg or recommend a specialist that is well versed in sclerotherapy complications, please call me / email me. Thank you.
Please note that I have seen a vein specialist but he did not pursue the problem and just told me to wait a few months and it should go away. I did see a general doctor, plastic surgeon and neurologist also – but my feeling is that none of these practitioners know very much about “complications” of sclerotherapy. An Australian study noted nerve damage as one of the complications with a good prognosis (but not going there any time soon). Thanks.
April 19th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Thank you for your response. I found other possibilities:
1. Inflammation (phlebitis)
2. Unintentional arterial injection
3. Peripheral nerve injury or nerve damage
4. Clots within treated vessels. These are not dangerous but can be quite tender if they occur in the larger veins. They can be removed through a needle prick after several weeks if necessary.
5. The underlying source of leakage in the vein has not been treated adequately.
I live in the Buffalo, NY area. All doctors I have seen keep saying the pain or “complication” should resolve with time. (I have never seen a “Board Certified Vein Specialist” yet). But 18 months seems like a long time and if anything, it is worse, not better. If a “pure sensory nerve” was injured, isn’t there some way to heal this or treat this or “numb” this? Do they inject dye in me to find the complication?
It is important to note that there are 3 Board Certified Phlebologists in my area and one of them I have had email conversations with. He said he thinks he knows what the issue is and would like to help me but does not want to conflict with the Dr. that did this (but the Dr. that did this is the one who recommended I get help through another colleague). The Dr. that did this understands I have a complication and referred me to a specialist (that turned out to be NOT board certified & not very helpful). So I really don’t know what his issue is.
My last note is that I want to be sure that if I can never be treated for this (and I end up having to deal with this complication for the rest of my life – if treatment fails), will this “pure sensory nerve” injury result in something worse? I.e. more pain, loss of motion or loss of limb or will pain management be sufficient?
I know I am asking for a lot of information, but I am desperate and scared. Thank you again for you time. Valerie
May 10th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
yes quite sure.
May 14th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
where can i find more info?
May 15th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
at veinsonline.com , http://www.phlebology.org,and veindirectory.org
June 11th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
hello, i am curious to know how you are aware of this info. Anyway, its . Thank You…