[Favorable results with duplex-guided compression sclerotherapy for varices of the small saphenous vein; a retrospective study].
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the efficacy of duplex-guided compression sclerotherapy in patients with varices of the small saphenous vein (SSV).


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Data were collected from 109 patients (14% male and 86% female; average age 51.4 years (SD: 10.6)) with 121 SSV varices which were sclerosed under duplex guidance with polidocanol 3% during the period 1 December 1998-31 May 2001 in the Dermatology department at Maastricht University Hospital, the Netherlands. After-care consisted of a compression bandage for 1 week and a therapeutic elastic stocking for 6 weeks. Check-ups took place after 3-6 months and after 12 months. Sclerosis was repeated if the procedure had failed. Success was defined as occlusion or by the absence of reflux and a reduction in the complaints.


RESULTS
After 3-6 months the treatment was successful in 88/113 varices (78%) for which data were available, and after 12 months treatment was successful in 46/57 (81%).


CONCLUSIONS
Sclerosis of the SSV under duplex guidance, with repeat treatment if required, gave favourable results.
Bullens-Goessens
Y I J M
YI
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Dermatologie, Postbus 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht.
Heij
J F
JF
Veraart
J C J M
JC
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000628:therapy*