Sclerotherapy Research Paper
Varicose veins are a common condition among women and men. The bulging and twisting veins can not only be unsightly but can cause pain, itching, swelling and nighttime cramps in the affected legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious conditions such as blood clots or skin ulcerations. Sclerotherapy is a popular way to safely treat varicose veins, relieving patients of pain and embarrassment of the condition.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins where a salt-based solution is injected directly into the patient's vein. The solution causes the lining of the vein to become irritated and swell. As it swells, a blood clot forms inside the blood vessel, which causes the veins to stick together …show more content…
Using ultrasound or a special light, varicose veins are first located in the leg. Alcohol is then used to clean the injection site. A small needle is inserted into the vein and the solution is injected inside. There is no need for anesthesia for the procedure and patients remain awake the entire time. A small amount of cramping or stinging may occur as the solution is injected into the vein. After the needle is removed, the doctor will massage the area to properly disperse the solution.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The treatment itself takes approximately one hour. Patients will notice their veins fading away within the first couple of weeks. After one month, the veins will be completely eliminated from the treated area. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary in veins that are large.
How Successful is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has a high success rate with varicose veins being eliminated in 80 percent of patients who undergo the procedure. Though the vein is completely eliminated after treatment, new veins can eventually grow. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not crossing the legs while sitting can help prevent veins from re-growing.
What are the Procedure's
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins where a salt-based solution is injected directly into the patient's vein. The solution causes the lining of the vein to become irritated and swell. As it swells, a blood clot forms inside the blood vessel, which causes the veins to stick together …show more content…
Using ultrasound or a special light, varicose veins are first located in the leg. Alcohol is then used to clean the injection site. A small needle is inserted into the vein and the solution is injected inside. There is no need for anesthesia for the procedure and patients remain awake the entire time. A small amount of cramping or stinging may occur as the solution is injected into the vein. After the needle is removed, the doctor will massage the area to properly disperse the solution.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The treatment itself takes approximately one hour. Patients will notice their veins fading away within the first couple of weeks. After one month, the veins will be completely eliminated from the treated area. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary in veins that are large.
How Successful is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has a high success rate with varicose veins being eliminated in 80 percent of patients who undergo the procedure. Though the vein is completely eliminated after treatment, new veins can eventually grow. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not crossing the legs while sitting can help prevent veins from re-growing.
What are the Procedure's