European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins affect 20–30% of adults. If symptoms persist, the main treatment options are sclerotherapy, surgery (usually stripping and ligation of the long or short saphenous veins and phlebectomies), and ablation (by laser or radiofrequency ablation). Present study was aimed to compare the efficacy of treatment of varicose veins with Saphenofemoral ligation and Foam sclerotherapy compared to Saphenofemoral ligation and stripping.
Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, prospective, comparative, study, conducted in patients of either gender with varicose veins of the lower limbs, including those with venous ulcers. Patients were randomly allocated to group 1(SF ligation with foam sclerotherapy) &group 2 (SF ligation and stripping).
Results: The demographic data of the patients included in this study showed no significant difference between both groups in terms of age and sex. The time taken to complete treatment was shorter in the foam sclerotherapy plus SFJ ligation group: 40 vs. 55 min. The rate of longer-term (>30 days) ulcer healing rate in the case series ranged from 75 to 85%. 6 (85.7%) of 7 ulcers healed in the foam sclerotherapy group compared with 6 (75%) of 8 in the SF ligation and stripping group. At 3 months, median CEAP class dropped from four preoperatively to one following treatment in both groups. 1 patient out of 25 treated by foam sclerotherapy reported venous recanalization at one year after treatment. Median time to return to normal activities was significantly reduced in the foam sclerotherapy group (4 days) compared to the surgical group (9 days). Rates of thrombophlebitis was 16%.skin staining/pigmentation at 8%, and pain at the site of injection ranged was 28%.
Conclusion: Treatment of varicose veins with Foam sclerotherapy instead of stripping and avulsions reduces the operative and post operative recovery time.