ABSTRACT
Background: Duplex ultrasonography guided foam sclerotherapy is now considered as standard option in varicose vein treatment; it is conducted as an outpatient procedure, does not require general ansthesia and compared with surgery results in an earlier return to normal activities. However, for treatment several sessions may be required
Aim of Work: The objective of this study is to cribe the efficacy, results and safety of DCU foam sclerotherapy for treating superficial venous ase of the lower limbs
Patients and Methods: 80 patients [28 males, 52 females] who were diagnosed to have clinical and radiological evidence of lower extremities venous diseases in the department of Vascular Surgery AT Assiut University Hospital from March 2012 to May 2014 were included. Their ages ranged from 18 to 57 years. Local ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. To be considered suitable for UGFS all patients treated with UGFS the foam was prepared by Tessari's method. Any residual veins treated with another session
Results: Eighty patients presenting with symptomatic varicose veins of superficial system. There were52 females [65%], and 28 males [35 %] with a mean age of 55.76 +/- 9.67. CEAP grades of patients were as follows; [60.0%] in C2, [10.0%] in C3, [21.25%] in C4 [2.5%] in C5 and [6.25%] in C6. The affected segments of the superficial system which were treated were ; [70.0%] great saphenous, [17.5%] small saphenous, [6.25%] were great saphenous vein and varies and [6.25%] small saphenous vein and varies. The numbers of sessions needed to eradicate the affected segment were one session in [70%], two sessions in [18.75%] and three in [11.25%].Minor complications encountered were skin discoloration in 30% of patients, superficial thrombophlebitis in 16% and an allergy to the foam sclerosant in 2.5%. After one year follow up by CDU [70%] had complete occlusion, [15%] had partial occlusion and [80%] of patients showed improvement of CEAP classification
Conclusions: UGFS is a safe and effective treatment as an alternative to surgical treatment for superficial system varicosities. One and infrequently two to three treatment sessions, to complete eradication of superficial reflux in virtually 100% of cases. It is considered as an outpatient procedure. Complications are few, and appear mostly self-limiting