Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a treatment in which a doctor injects medicine into blood vessels or lymphatic vessels that cause them to shrink. It is usually used to treat varicose veins or so-called spider veins.
This is a non-surgical procedure and only requires an injection. It can also be used to treat blood disorders and lymphatic vessels that cause these vessels to malfunction.
Sclerotherapy uses a stimulant solution called sclerosant, which is injected directly into a vein or lymphatic vessel. The solution irritates the artery and causes it to swell. This swelling stops the flow of blood or lymph fluid and the blood vessels constrict.
There have been various forms of sclerotherapy since the nineteenth century, but the techniques have improved in recent decades.
In this article, we take a look at the uses of sclerotherapy, the expectations of this treatment as well as the recovery period.
What conditions does sclerotherapy treat?
Sclerotherapy may help reduce the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is often used to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are also known as chronic venous insufficiency.
Varicose veins occur when the arteries become swollen and bulging, usually in the legs. This is due to weak vein walls which in turn weaken the venous valves. As a result, blood collects in the arteries, causing them to swell and look different.
Varicose veins can be painful and can cause skin problems, including skin rashes. Sclerotherapy reduces the effects of venous damage by shrinking the arteries, making the varicose veins less visible and less painful.
Sclerotherapy is also used to treat some other conditions, including:
Incomplete lymphatic vessels. These are the vessels that carry lymphatic or lymph fluid that helps the immune system fight infections.
Hemorrhoids. Sclerotherapy may be used when other treatments fail. Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels around the rectum become swollen and irritated, causing pain and disturbing bowel movements.
هیدروسل. Hydrocele is an unhealthy growth of fluid in the body cavity. Hydrocele is common in the testes.
When to consider sclerotherapy
Not everyone who has spider veins or any other disease that can be treated with sclerotherapy needs to have this procedure. People should discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their doctor to decide if it is necessary.
Other treatments may be more cost-effective and less invasive. For example, hemorrhoids often respond well to over-the-counter treatments. This can include lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and not straining during defecation.
People with spider veins should consider sclerotherapy in the following cases:
The arteries are painful
My legs hurt or feel heavy
The skin on the feet or legs is blemished or dry
There is a rash near the veins
What to expect from sclerotherapy:
Sclerotherapy may be done in a dermatologist's office.
Sclerotherapy requires consultation with a physician to evaluate a problematic vein or lymph vessel. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is usually done in a dermatologist or vein specialist.
This procedure usually does not require special anesthesia or preparation. People should follow their doctor's instructions before surgery because they may need to avoid using lotions or oils before surgery.
During treatment, the person lies on their back and raises their legs. The doctor cleans the area, then inserts a small needle into a vein. The needle may sting.
The doctor injects a stimulant solution into a vein. The person may not feel burning, tingling or not at all.
When the injection is complete, the doctor massages the affected area to prevent blood from re-entering the vein. The person may need to wear pads or socks in that area.
In most cases, a person needs further treatment for complete venous collapse. If there are multiple varicose veins, multiple treatments may be the only way to get rid of them.
After treatment, people should be active to prevent blood clots from forming. Most of them should also avoid sunlight, which can cause dark spots in the treated area.
Some people experience tenderness or bruising at the injection site, but recovery is otherwise relatively easy.
Risks of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure. This is a less invasive and risky option than surgery because it does not require anesthesia.
Research shows that in 75 to 90% of cases, it effectively destroys spider veins, but usually requires several treatments. When sclerotherapy does not work, additional treatments, including surgery, may be needed.