Foam sclerotherapy of lauromacrogol under X-ray guidance for lower extremity varicose veins

Objective To evaluate the applied value of X-ray guided foam sclerotherapy using lauromacrogol for lower extremity varicose veins.Methods Twenty-seven legs in 21 patients with lower extremity varicose veins were treated with injecting lauromacrogol,a foam sclerosing agent,into varicose veins under X-ray guidance.All patients underwent the procedure of percutaneous puncture with a retaining needle for injecting foam sclerosing agent into varicose veins,and 2 patients performed retrogade catheterization inserting to the trunk of great saphenous vein of sick limb under X-ray guidance for foam sclerotherapy.The elastic bandage was first used after procedure and then replaced with compression stockings for one month.Results Lauromacrogol was successfully injected in varicose veins in all patients.There were average 3.7 puncture sites and 18.3 ml lauromacrogol in one leg.The average hospitalization time was 3.9 days.During the follow-up period(range,1-9 months),the varicose veins of sclerotherapy were disappeared,and the fatigue sensation of patients also disappeared.The venous angiogram showed complete occlusion rate of veins undergone sclerotherapy was 88.9%(24/27),and the percentage of thinned veins was 11.1%(3/27).No serious complications were found.Conclusions X-ray guided foam sclerotherapy using lauromacrogol for lower extremity varicose veins is a feasible,microinvasive,lower expense,safe and effective method.