Minimally invasive varicose vein treatment
Foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins: The gentle sclerotherapy treatment
Foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins is particularly suitable for patients in whom varicose veins have recurred after an operation and which cannot be treated well using conventional methods. In these cases, there are usually many branched and tortuous varicose veins. Foam sclerotherapy can also be an option for older patients for whom there is an increased risk of surgery. In patients who already suffer from open areas on the leg, foam sclerotherapy can possibly achieve faster healing of the open area.
Quick Facts
- Duration of intervention
- approx. 60 min
- Anesthesia
- local anesthesia
- Type of operation
- outpatient
- Clinic
- Wiesbaden, Mainz
- Aftercare
- In many cases, compression stockings are only necessary for a short time
- Sport
- 2-3 weeks
- Socially acceptable
- directly after surgery
- Workable
- 1 day
How foam sclerotherapy works for varicose veins and spider veins
After a small local anaesthetic is applied to the area of the vein to be treated, a cannula is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance. A certain amount of foam is then applied, which is distributed in the vein or in the veins shown. The foam irritates the inner vein wall, causing the veins to close. The foam dissolves and is excreted from the body. Finally, a small plaster bandage is applied to the puncture site and the compression stocking is put on. Afterwards, you should go for a quarter of an hour's walk, which can be done in the nearby beautiful park "Am warmen Damm" in Wiesbaden.
How proven is foam sclerotherapy for vein problems?
The procedure has been used for many years and has proven its safety and effectiveness in several controlled studies.
Advantages of foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins
The advantage of this procedure is that it can be performed without anesthesia and without incisions, and highly tortuous veins that are not accessible to catheter procedures such as radio waves or lasers can be treated. The procedure itself is painless, requiring only a small local anesthetic at the puncture site. There are usually no scars or swelling. Normal everyday activities can be resumed immediately after sclerotherapy and no sick leave is required. Compression stockings should be worn for at least 7 days afterwards.
Disadvantages of foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins
Complications from sclerotherapy are rare and usually harmless. Hardening in the area of the treated veins is a normal side effect. After the treatment, slight bruising may still be present. However, this gradually disappears completely; depending on the patient's disposition, this can take several weeks. Skin discoloration may also occur after the treatment and this reaction may last for a longer period of time.
Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent are extremely rare but possible; more common is an intolerance to the plaster dressing, an unpleasant but harmless reaction that subsides quickly after the plaster is removed.
Will my insurance cover the costs?
The costs are generally covered by private insurance companies, but if in doubt, please ask your insurer. Statutory health insurance companies do not generally cover the costs of this special ultrasound-guided procedure, but this special procedure is also available to those with statutory health insurance as a self-pay service.
Frequently asked questions about foam sclerotherapy
After treatment with foam sclerotherapy, we recommend wearing compression stockings for one week.
Moderate exercise such as walking is recommended and beneficial the day after the procedure. In general, you are not doing anything wrong if you take a break for three weeks. In the case of foam sclerotherapy, less strenuous sports such as golf may be possible earlier. On the other hand, it may make sense to extend the break for more strenuous sports such as weight training.
You may and should walk again immediately after the treatment. You can exercise at home as usual. Walks are also recommended. Avoid anything that is strenuous or painful. It is advisable to elevate the treated leg for the first week. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods; walking and lying down are better. You should not resume fast walking or jogging for at least three weeks.
Die Schaumsklerosierung nutzt aufgeschäumtes Sklerosierungsmittel, das ähnlich wie die flüssige Variante wirkt, jedoch effektiver ist. Der Schaum haftet besser an der Venenwand, wird weniger schnell vom Blut verdünnt und bleibt länger in Kontakt mit der Venenwand, was seine Wirksamkeit steigert. Trotz der Verwendung geringerer Konzentrationen und Mengen des Sklerosierungsmittels, erzielt die Schaum-Sklerotherapie, besonders bei Seitenastvenen, schneller das gewünschte Ergebnis: die Ausschaltung und Beseitigung der betroffenen Venen.
