Foam sclerotherapy

What can be treated using foam sclerotherapy?

Foam sclerotherapy is a versatile treatment method used for various venous disorders. Indications for performing foam sclerotherapy include:

• extensive telangiectasias – as a supplementary treatment, in the case of larger feeding vessels; they often occur in combination with deeper reticular veins or miniperforators, which are responsible for their formation;
• varicose veins originating from reticular veins – usually superficially located, clearly visible under the skin; foam sclerotherapy is particularly effective in their treatment;
• varicose veins of the lower limbs – both smaller and larger ones, including truncal varicose veins (resulting from saphenous and small saphenous vein insufficiency);
• venous leg ulcers – as part of supportive treatment, improving circulation and wound healing (an increasingly less common indication);

• recurrent varicose veins – appearing after previous surgical or endovenous procedures; foam sclerotherapy is often the method of choice in cases of recurrence, as it allows for precise access to problematic venous vessels without the need for another surgical intervention;
• pelvic venous insufficiency – including varicose veins of the intimate areas (vulva and perineum), often associated with pelvic congestion syndrome;
• venous malformations – congenital vascular abnormalities, usually slow-flow; they can be located in any part of the body; this method is particularly valuable in the treatment of venous malformations in hard-to-reach locations.

Price range

Description of the foam sclerotherapy procedure

The foam sclerotherapy procedure is minimally invasive and usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treated lesions and the complexity of the case.

The foam sclerotherapy procedure consists of the following stages:

• mapping of the vessels under ultrasound guidance;
• preparation of the foam – the liquid sclerosant is mixed with a gas using a special syringe or foam generating system, creating foam of the appropriate consistency;
• disinfection – the injection sites are disinfected at the very beginning;

• vein puncture – the doctor inserts a thin needle into the diseased vessel (usually under ultrasound guidance);"
• administration of the sclerosant in foam form – the foam is injected into the vessel, filling it and displacing the stagnant blood;
• post-procedure compression – after the procedure, a compression garment (compression stocking) is applied to the treated leg to support the effects of obliteration and minimize the risk of thrombotic complications.

The foam sclerotherapy procedure is virtually painless. Occasionally, a slight discomfort, pressure, burning, or stinging sensation may be felt at the injection sites. Echosclerotherapy – performed under ultrasound guidance – ensures precise administration of the foam into the diseased vessel, which minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. In some cases, when treating larger vessels, tumescent anesthesia may be used.

Post-foam sclerotherapy care

After the foam sclerotherapy procedure, the Patient should strictly follow the phlebologist's recommendations. Recommendations following sclerotherapy procedures include:

• brisk walking – immediately after the procedure, a short but brisk walk lasting approximately 30-40 minutes is recommended;
• wearing compression garments – compression stockings or pantyhose should be worn for 7-14 days after the procedure (always follow the doctor's recommendations);
• avoiding overheating – during the recovery period, it is advisable to avoid saunas, tanning beds, and hot baths, as well as excessive exposure to sunlight;
• avoiding strenuous physical activity for approximately 7-10 days after the procedure.

Treatment using foam sclerotherapy may require 2-4 treatment sessions, performed at 2-6 week intervals, to achieve a satisfactory result.

Complications after foam sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy is considered a safe treatment method; however, like any medical procedure, it carries a risk of certain complications. The most commonly observed side effects after sclerotherapy using foamed obliterating agents include:

• transient skin discoloration – may occur at the injection sites but usually disappears within a few weeks or months
• redness and swelling – may appear at the needle puncture site and subside spontaneously after a few days;
• indurations and thickening along the course of the obliterated veins – may occur along the treated vein and can be painful;
• allergic reactions – rare, but possible;
• deep and superficial vein thrombosis – a very rare complication, more common in patients with thrombophilia.
• visual disturbances or migraine – very rare complications, related to the passage of foam into the systemic circulation and vasospastic reactions;
• skin necrosis – extremely rare, caused by extravasation of the sclerosant outside the vessel or administration into an arterial vessel.

At the Phlebology Clinic we make every effort to minimise the risk of complications and our specialists remain available to patients during the recovery period. If you experience any worrying symptoms, please contact our Registry immediately.