Compression sclerotherapy: preparation, technique, complications, and results.

Compression sclerotherapy is not surgery-free, is not a cure, and rarely produces a "Hollywood leg". Repetitive injections are necessary for cosmetic control. The use of injection-compression for large thigh varicosities associated with saphenofemoral incompetency led to an inordinately high recurrence rate in this study, despite good initial results. By increasing the number of injections at the first session, 75 percent of the limbs were treated in a single session. The reinjection rate to maintain control was approximately 5 percent per year over the 7 year follow-up period. Compression sclerotherapy is an effective method of controlling venous perforators. Patients with bursting pain, severe signs of stasis, or ulceration are ideal candidates. It is particularly applicable to patients who are elderly, obese, or at high risk for other reasons and is a very useful tool in the management of venous disease. It is also very well accepted by patients. The technique should be more widely taught and practiced in North America.