Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy of Incompetent Ankle Perforators on Healing of Chronic Venous Ulcers with Deep Venous Reflux. (A Comparative Study)

Abstract

Abstract Background Compression therapy is the standard of care for venous ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency, but the treatment of underlying venous disease to relieve venous hypertension appears to improve wound healing and to decrease recurrence. Benefits of saphenous ablation have been well demonstrated; however, evidence for the treatment of incompetent perforating veins is less clear. Objective To assess the benefit of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS) of incompetent perforator on healing of chronic venous ulcers. Patients and Methods This is a prospective cohort study which is a double arm clinical study to assess the healing rate for patients after USGFS vs standard compression therapy of patients with incompetent perforators veins within 6 month. Results Our preliminary data add further weight to the suggestion that eradication of SVR by means of UGFS improves CVU outcomes when compared to compression alone. In this regard, UGFS appears to be more effective more than compression therapy does, therefore, appear the more attractive option in this elderly patient population. Furthermore, the follow-up data presented here does suggest long-term healing following UGFS probably requires careful follow-up and, if required. Encouraged by these promising early results the authors have embarked upon a larger study to look at the role of UGFS in the treatment of CVU in greater depth. Conclusion Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy of perforator incompetent veins is a welltolerated and effective outpatient procedure. This study presents a patient cohort with limited exclusion criteria, allowing a representative cross section of VLU in general. Because of its higher healing rate and lower RR compared to other therapeutic options, and the improvement in quality of life that it brings, this minimally invasive, easily repeatable procedure may become the treatment of choice for VLU. Foam sclerotherapy is a simple procedure, compared to surgical intervention, no hospitalization, no anesthesia, can be done in outpatient clinic and the patient can return home after 45 min and no work off period. The relative freedom from serious complications and its evident success, makes this modality as a possible candidate for being the first line treatment for venous ulcers.