Posterolateral Thigh Perforator Varicosities in 12 Patients: A Normal Deep Venous System and Successful Treatment with Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Abstract

To determine whether in patients with posterolateral thigh perforator (PLTP) varicosities ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS) is successful and to determine any deep venous anomaly. Twelve consecutive patients with PLTP varicosities were investigated and treated. In this prospective intervention study USGS of the PLTP with polidocanol microfoam 1-2% was performed with a maximal number of three treatments. Clinical pictures and Duplex imaging were performed before and after treatment. Ascending phlebography was performed in 9 patients. Ten patients showed a marked success, defined as no PLTP varicosities visible and no reflux detectable. In 2 patients there was moderate success. The mean number of treatments was 1.58, the mean diameter of the PLTP vein was reduced from 4.06 (range, 2.2-6.1) to 1.97 (range, 0-3.3) mm (p=0.003, Wilcoxon signed rank test). No serious side effects were noted. No deep venous anomaly was found in the phlebographic study. In patients with PLTP varicosities, USGS is very successful, with very few side effects. No deep venous anomalies were found in our study, which conforms to the literature.