Effect observation of foam sclerotherapy of lauromacrogol for varicose veins of lower extremity

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of domestic lauromacrogol as a new foam sclerosing agent in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Methods:The data of 30 patients with varicose veins who were treated with 1% lauromacrogol foam sclerosing agent inserted in the great saphenous vein (GSV) through a catheter was collected from April to August 2008 in our hospital, and the occlusions of GSV in 2 weeks and 3 months after the treatment were observed. Results: Thirty patients were successfully treated by catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy. The average volume of foam sclerosing agent in each case was 6.2 mL. Axial reflux in GSV disappeared immediately in 27 of 30 patients (90%) after the treatment. There were 27 patients (90%) showing the occlusions of GSV examined by colour duplex vascular ultrasound in 2 weeks and 3 months after the procedure. Obvious abnormal varicose veins as well as the soreness and fatigue of lower extremity disappeared in 27 patients in 3-month follow-up. Mild and localized varicose veins of leg were found in 4 patients (15%). No severe complication was reported. Five patients developed superficial phlebitis, while the symptom was spontaneous remission in two weeks. Conclusion: The effect of domestic lauromacrogol foam sclerosing agent in the treatment of varicose veins was considerable, and the sclerotherapy can be a relatively new option for minimally invasive treatment of patient with varicose veins of lower extremity.