Varicose veins
Foam Sclerotherapy
treatment
Mr George Geroulakos
Consultant Vascular Surgeon
V
Dr Mustapha Azzam
Accredited Vascular Scientist
Ealing Vascular Unit
Josef Pflug Laboratory
Ealing Hospital
Uxbridge Road
Southall
UB1 3HW
Tel: 020 8967 5628
Fax: 020 8967 5650
BeforeTreatment
After Treatment
WHAT IS FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY?
It is a relatively painless outpatient procedure used in the
treatment of varicose veins. It involves an injection of a foam
solution directly into the vein and causes its walls to stick
together. Over time the collapsed vein scars and permanently
seals up. The procedure itself takes about 30-40 minutes, after
which you will be wearing a compression stocking for a total
duration of three weeks. Keeping the stocking on is paramount
in keeping the vein wall together and reducing the likelihood of
side effects. You may need more than one session to treat all
your veins.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Temporary pigmentation may appear along the injected
veins, which usually clears within 3-6 months. It can
remain permanent in about 5% of the treated patients.
Foam may occasionally leak into the skin, producing an
inflammation around the vein.
In the first hour or two following the procedure, walking is
recommended to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis
Allergic reactions may occur at the time of injection, but
are rarely serious.
We will not advise you to drive your car the day of the
procedure.
A sore could develop at the injection site, but this is rare.
Do not take hot baths or use a sauna [for three weeks
after the procedure. Showers are permitted with the
treated leg covered with waterproof material.
Sudden onset of a swollen leg is a rare complication
occurring in less than 1% of patients. This might be a sign
of a blood clot in your deep veins. If this happens, you
should seek help at an Emergency Department.
Injection inside the artery is extremely rare, since the
procedure is monitored using ultrasound imaging.
Very rarely, blushes of tiny skin veins can appear over the
areas that have been injected and have no health
consequences.
Should any problem arise, please go to your nearest
Emergency Department.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
It is estimated that as many as 80 to 90% of injected veins
may be eliminated. However, approximately 10% of
people do not respond to the injections at all and they will
be offered an alternative treatment.
To check on your progress, it is important to walk unaided
for 15-20 minutes before leaving the hospital.
You will be instructed to wear your support stocking for a
period of three weeks (the first 2 weeks day and night and
the 3rd week during the day only)
You will be able to resume your routine activities straight
after the procedure and you are encouraged to walk daily
for as much as you can.
Avoid direct exposure to the sunlight or performing high
impact aerobics for the duration of three weeks after the
procedure.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?
Please let us know if:

You are due to have surgery for another illness
or as a result of an accident;

You are planning to travel after the procedure;

You have allergies; and/or

You or a member of your family has a history of
blood clot in the veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
You will be seen again by a vein specialist doctor at a
follow up appointment three weeks after your procedure.
At that time, please bring the ultrasound request form with
you. A scan will be performed first to check the outcome
of the procedure, and then the results will be discussed
with you by a doctor.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SCLEROTHERAPY?
Most of the side effects are temporary, and may include the
following:
The injected veins may become lumpy and hard for
several months before visible improvement.
Raised red areas may appear at the injection sites and
should disappear within few days.
Moderate pain and bruising at the site of injection, the
veins may be tender to touch.
Please do not forget to bring your compression
stocking with you on the day of the procedure.
If at any time you decide not to go ahead with the
procedure, we will be happy to offer you an alternative
treatment for you varicose veins.
You can remove your stocking and shower a night before
your return for your follow up appointment.
Wash your treatment stocking with warm water at 25-30º,
dry them on a line and keep them in a safe place as you
may still need them if further injections are required.