Sclerotherapy for Primary Varicose Vein

Jo, Ju Hyun; Oh, Chang Keun; Kim, Moon Bum; Jang, Ho Sun; Kwon, Kyung Sool

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Varicose vein is the most common venous disease of the lower extremities. The treatment of varicose vein is commonly performed for cosmetic improvement, although most patients are symptomatic as well. Sclerotherapy is a useful adjunct to large vein surgery as well as a highly effective primary treatment for telangiectasia and reticular vein. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of varicose vein of Korean and to evaluate the efficacy and the side effect of sclerotherapy. METHODS: We reviewed 100 outpatients treated by sclerotherapy for varicose vein at department of dermatology of Pusan National University Hospital from January, 1999 to December, 2000. RESULTS: The results obtained were summarized as follows; 1) The distribution of age was the first 5th decade(44%), followed by 4th decade and 6th decade. The median age was 47.6 years-old. 2)The duration of illness was less than 5 years in 34 patients(34%), and 6 to 10 years in 25 patients(25%). 3) Presumed etiologic factors were occupations requiring long period of standing in 43 patients(43%), and pregnancy in 28 patients(28%). 4) The aims in treating varicose vein were cosmetic problem(88%), pain(47%) and fatigue(32%). 5) According to the CEAP classification, the most common type of varicose vein was C1sEpAs(46%). 6) The frequency of injections were 2 times in 31 patients(31%), 3 times in 30 patients(30%), and one in 22 patients(22%). 7) Most of the patients were satisfied with the results and the clinical efficacy in varicose vein was more than moderate clearance in 64 patients(64%). Transient adverse effects were observed in a few patients. CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy is a simple, safe, and cosmetically acceptable alternative treatment for varicose vein and can be easily performed in outpatient fields.