Open AccessULTRASOUND GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY AS A PREFERRED TREATMENT OPTION FOR VARICOSE VEINS IN TERMS OF SAFETY, EFFICACY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS
Author(s) -
Muhammad Jamil,
Usman Rashid,
Muhammad Irfan Khan,
Muhammad Afzal Randhawa,
Aaiza Aman,
Areesha Jamil
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pakistan armed forces medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2411-8842
pISSN - 0030-9648
DOI - 10.51253/pafmj.v71i4.4336
Subject(s) - medicine , sclerotherapy , varicose veins , reflux , surgery , ultrasound , thrombosis , occlusion , radiology , disease
Objective: To assess the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in superficial venous reflux in Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathological (CEAP) classification grade 2-6 disease.
Study Design: Retrospective observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Sep 2018 to Feb 2020.
Methodology: One thousand and sixty-seven patients (1312 legs) with varicose veins were treated by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy using 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate for truncal veins and 1% for smaller veins in 1:4 ratio with air. After 7 days, leg was assessed clinically and radiologically with Duplex ultrasound for occlusion of veins and complications. Second, third and fourth sclerotherapy sessions were performed for residual/recurrence/new varicosities. Compression bandage was used for at least 3 months after treatment.
Results: The overall eradication of superficial venous reflux and healing of ulcers, was seen in 92.1% (1208 legs). It was 83.5% (1095 legs) after 1st session of UGFS. Second, 3rd and 4th session of UGFS further increases this percentage of benefitted patients Deep vein thrombosis developed post procedure in 2 (0.18%) patients and pulmonary embolus in one patient. Three (0.28%) patients had transient visual disturbances within half an hour of treatment. Retreatment was required due to formation of new superficial venous reflux in 39 (2.9%) legs and recurrence in 93 (7.1%) legs.
Conclusion: Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy is a better option of treatment in varicose veins in terms of safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness.