Summary
In recent years, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy has become a firmly established treatment for varicose veins and offers many advantages compared with other ablation procedures. It is used without any type of anaesthesia, as the procedure is painless for the patient. By contrast, tumescent anaesthesia is required in thermal procedures, in order to protect surrounding structures and prevent unwanted nerve damage. This is not necessary with foam sclerotherapy.
Foam sclerotherapy is a rapid and simple treatment method for both large and small varicose veins and can be performed in the practice examination room. After duplex examination and detailed discussion of the treatment, the patient can be treated during the same session. Furthermore, in addition to the standard indications, foam sclerotherapy can also be used to treat recurrent varicose veins and tortuous vascular segments. In recent years, other non-thermal techniques have been developed in addition to foam sclero-therapy.
This article provides an overview of the position of foam sclerotherapy and the various non-thermal ablation techniques with regard to their efficacy, safety and side effects.
Keywords
Foam sclerotherapy - varicosis - ablation procedures
