Sclerotherapy Vs. Surgical Stripping

Varicose veins are swollen, blood-engorged veins that most frequently appear in the legs and feet. In addition to cosmetic concerns, they cause significant pain in some individuals. Sclerotherapy and surgical stripping are two methods of treating problem veins.

The Facts

• Sclerotherapy is used to treat small- and medium-sized varicose veins, and involves the injection of a solution that seals these veins shut and causes them to wither away. Surgical stripping is used to treat larger varicose veins, and involves surgical removal of these veins.

Types

• Sclerotherapy comes in two forms: standard sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy, which is used to treat small "spider" veins. Surgical stripping also comes in two main forms: standard surgical stripping and the related procedure ambulatory phlebectomy, in which veins are removed in sections through a series of small incisions.

Treatment Settings

• Sclerotherapy is typically done in a doctor's office without anesthesia. Surgical stripping is an outpatient procedure performed in a hospital under local or general anesthesia.

Effectiveness

• Despite initial effectiveness of treatment, varicose veins may re-develop after either sclerotherapy or surgical stripping.

Side Effects

• Potential side effects of sclerotherapy include temporary cramps and bruising. Potential surgical stripping side effects include nerve damage and permanent scars. Ambulatory phlebectomy reduces these risks.