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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffSclerotherapy effectively treats varicose and spider veins. It's often considered the treatment of choice for small varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to scar and collapse, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take up to a month to see the full results. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be needed.
References
- Sclerotherapy of varicose veins and spider veins. Radiological Society of North America. www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=sclerotherapy. Accessed Nov. 13, 2012.
- Varicose veins and spider veins fact sheet. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/varicose-spider-veins.cfm. Accessed Nov. 13, 2012.
- Gloviczki P, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2011;53(5):2S.
- Murad MH, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the treatments of varicose veins. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2011;53(5):49S.
- Greenberg DL, et al. Liquid and foam sclerotherapy techniques for lower extremity vein ablation. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2012.
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