Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy using liquid sclerosant after preliminary saline flush

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of liquid sclerosant with preliminary saline flush for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Aethoxysklerol was used in varying concentrations ranging from 1.0% to 3.0% according to the volume required. Infusion of sclerosant was preceded by infusion of normal saline. Occlusion rates were determined by life-table analysis. Progressively lower concentrations were used as the study progressed. Life-table analysis showed significantly better results for tributaries compared to saphenous veins (92% vs 65%) and for dilute concentrations (≤1.5%) compared with stronger concentrations (>1.5%) (88% vs 66%). This observational study suggests that liquid sclerosant following a preliminary saline flush may give comparable results to those obtained with foam sclerotherapy. Confirmation would require a randomized controlled trial.