ABSTRACT
Liquid sclerotherapy involves the injection of certain substances into the veins, with the goal of destroying the vein wall, resulting in sufficient damage to close the vein. Signs or symptoms of venous insufficiency, including varicose veins, require a venous duplex evaluation before any liquid sclerotherapy is considered. Liquid sclerotherapy is primarily used for small varicose veins and telangiectasias. Despite the new possibilities, however, liquid sclerotherapy serves as the main treatment option for small varicose veins and for telangiectasia, also known as spider veins. Spider veins/telangiectasia of less than 1 mm in diameter is generally cosmetic problems, although patients do sometimes complain of some symptoms related to them. If venous insufficiency has been treated and the remaining complaint is related to small veins or cosmetic concerns, as in the case of spider telangiectasias, then liquid sclerotherapy may be indicated. Compression following sclerotherapy reduces discomfort and side effects such as phlebitis.
