Complications of sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy is the systematic, targeted elimination of intracutaneous and subcutaneous varicose, reticular, telangiectasias by the injection of a locally irritating chemical substance, called a sclerosant. The endpoint of this process is functionally analogous to surgical removal of a vein. However, regardless of the best of intentions, complications can and will occur with enough sclerotherapy treatments. Complications resulting from sclerotherapy can be divided into the following categories for ease of explanation: (1) frequent but transient, (2) rare but self-limited, and (3) rare but major. This article will focus on select complications in sclerotherapy, review the most common complications observed, and discuss how to minimize these in daily practice.
Munavalli
Girish S
GS
Dermatology, Laser, and Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, Charlotte, NC, USA. gmunava@yahoo.com
Weiss
Robert A
RA
D003880:Dermatology; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000628:therapy*