Results of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy

Background: 

The results of surgery for small saphenous varicose vein (SSV) varicosities may be suboptimal in terms of recurrence and complications.

Methods:

Eighty-six patients (92 legs) undergoing UGFS for SSV were assessed before, and 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Outcome measures were occlusion of, and abolition of reflux, the SSV (technical success), absence of visible varicose veins (clinical success) and improvement in disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL), following treatment (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Symptom Severity Score (AVSS).

Results:

The technical and clinical success rates at 12 months were 91 and 93 percent respectively; only three patients required a second treatment. After treatment of isolated SSV varicosities, there was a significant improvement in AVSS, from a median of 19·0 (interquartile range 13·4 26·8) before treatment to 10·2 (4·0 18·3) and 9·7 (3·5 19·1) at 6 and 12 months respectively. The only complication was a popliteal vein thrombosis, that required anticoagulation.

Conclusion:

UGFS was an effective treatment for SSV, with abolition of reflux and visible varicose veins, and improvement in HRQL for at least 12 months.