[Favorable results with duplex-guided compression sclerotherapy for varices of the small saphenous vein; a retrospective study].
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the efficacy of duplex-guided compression sclerotherapy in patients with varices of the small saphenous vein (SSV). DESIGN: Retrospective. METHOD: Data were collected from 109 patients (14% male and 86% female; average age 51.4 years (SD: 10.6)) with 121 SSV varices which were sclerosed under duplex guidance with polidocanol 3% during the period 1 December 1998-31 May 2001 in the Dermatology department at Maastricht University Hospital, the Netherlands. After-care consisted of a compression bandage for 1 week and a therapeutic elastic stocking for 6 weeks. Check-ups took place after 3-6 months and after 12 months. Sclerosis was repeated if the procedure had failed. Success was defined as occlusion or by the absence of reflux and a reduction in the complaints. RESULTS: After 3-6 months the treatment was successful in 88/113 varices (78%) for which data were available, and after 12 months treatment was successful in 46/57 (81%). CONCLUSION: Sclerosis of the SSV under duplex guidance, with repeat treatment if required, gave favourable results.