[Current status of sclerotherapy of varicose veins].
Sclerotherapy is a therapeutic technique now perfectly adapted to all types and sizes of varicose veins. Its goals are to close the lumen and reduce the diameter of the varicosity. These objectives can only be achieved by following a strict protocol. This treatment always starts with the large venous trunks such as the saphenous veins which are located deep and best treated with Duplex-guided sclerotherapy. Then the collateral and reticular veins can be directly sclerosed. Superficial starburst veins and telangiectases should only be approached after all feeder vessels have been treated. For these reasons, a detailed clinical examination should be combined with duplex sonographic investigations before any therapy is attempted. When these rules are observed, sclerotherapy is a very effective treatment.