Since this autumn, the StatenClinic has also been offering the sclerotherapy of varicose veins.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins. Varicose veins are called varicose veins when there are clearly visible blue and thickened or tangible, slightly twisted veins on the legs. They occur when the sensitive venous valves are damaged or no longer function properly. There are various causes that can lead to varicose veins, such as a predisposition in the family, pregnancy or thrombosis. Varicose veins can be cosmetically disruptive or cause symptoms such as a tired, heavy feeling in the legs, fluid, vibration or pain.

Sclerotherapy

During sclerotherapy, a liquid is injected into the varicose vein. This fluid causes the vascular wall to stick together. The varicose vein transforms into a strand so that no more blood can flow. The function of the vanished varicose vein is taken over by one of the many other normal veins in the surrounding area.

The treatment

The doctor punctures the varicose vein with an injection needle to inject the fluid. There is a maximum amount of fluid that can be injected. The doctor may (or sometimes must) decide to continue the treatment during a further session. One treatment lasts up to 20 minutes. After the treatment you will be asked to wait another 15 minutes, as in rare cases there is a risk of an allergic reaction.

You will of course feel the punctures in the blood vessels. The injection itself is not painful for the large vessels. Small varicose veins can cause a slight burning sensation if they are sensitive.

Compression stockings, treatment plan and price offer

After the varicose veins have been sclerosed, support bandages or compression stockings should be worn for a few days. Before the actual treatment, the doctor will make a diagnosis, a treatment plan and a price offer. Please note that such a treatment plan and price offer is not an absolute guarantee. Sometimes it will only become clear in the further course of the procedure that further after-treatments are necessary or desirable. At this stage, the doctor will decide whether, after sclerotherapy, simple support bandages, which you will receive from us, are sufficient or whether you need to buy compression stockings in advance. These compression stockings are available from specialist medical shops and are tailored to your needs, which requires a delivery time.

After sclerotherapy

Normal exercise such as walking or cycling is allowed, but intensive sports such as running or fitness are not recommended as this may lead to treatment failure. Long periods of standing, sitting still and heavy lifting should also be avoided.

Risks and side effects

A well-executed treatment of varicose veins does not involve major risks.

• In some cases there may be a minor inflammation of the veins.
• When varicose veins are injected, the skin may sometimes turn brown. This does not always disappear. Avoid exposure to the sun and solarium.
• If the injection fluid lands next to the blood vessel, the skin can be damaged at this point.
• If the bandage is (too) tight, small blisters may appear.

Please pay attention to the following

• Ordering a compression stocking can take up to 6 weeks.
• The costs for the sclerotherapy of varicose veins and/or compression stockings are in most cases no longer reimbursed. Check with your insurance company. Please note that the service centers of many insurance companies often do not provide sufficient information.
• Headaches, chills and fever may occur in the evening on the day of treatment.
• You can take one 500 mg tablet of paracetamol, but not aspirin.
• Taking blood-thinning medication is a contraindication and hinders the result.
• Other contraindications are: arterial closure (Fontaine stages III and IV), thromboembolic diseases or diseases that cause an increased risk of thrombosis, liver diseases, severe renal dysfunction, venous or cellular tissue inflammation (phlebitis, cellulitis), therapy-resistant leg ulcers that do not respond to compression therapy, diabetic microangiopathy, skin diseases in the sclerosis area (atrophie blanche, dermatitis).
• Possible blemishes and reddish-brown discolorations will disappear by themselves.
• Treatment during pregnancy is not recommended.
• The legs should not be smeared with oily cream during the treatment period.
• The injection of varicose veins can in many cases lead to a decrease or disappearance of visible varicose veins and symptoms (e.g. tiredness or heaviness in the legs, cramps, tingling, pain or "restless legs"), but does not guarantee this. There is also no guarantee that there will be no new varicose veins in the future.

If you have any problems after the treatment, you should contact StatenClinic.



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