Clinical efficacy of cold light source-guided foam sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol for venous ulcer of the lower extremities

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of cold light source-guided foam sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol combining subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery(SEPS) and long saphenous vein flush ligation and stripping for venous ulcer of the lower extremities. Methods From June 2012 to May 2013, forty-two patients with forty-six lower limbs of venous ulcer induced by incompetent perforator veins were treated. All the patients were performed SEPS, long saphenous vein flush ligation and stripping, and cold light source-guided foam sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol. Results Foam was injected to 263 veins by cold light-guided source. All venous ulcers were found recovered from a 3- to 12-month followed up. Nine patients felt pain in lower limbs and were given painkillers. Forty-six veins(17.49%) of 22 patients showed pigmentation following the varicosities one to two weeks after surgery. It disappeared in 3-6 months. Eleven veins (4.18%) of 3 lower extremities (6.52%) of 3 patients with varicosities demonstrated phlebitis and recovered after using Hirudoid. Two hundred and forty-five veins(93.16%) of treated varicosities achieved complete success criteria; the other 18 veins (6.84%) achieved partial success criteria. Conclusion Cold light source-guided foam sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol combining SEPS and long saphenous vein flush ligation and stripping is a good method to treat venous ulcer of the lower extremities, while the long-term effects need observing. Key words: Venous ulcer; Foam sclerotherapy; Cold light source-guided