subject: Further Defining Sclerotherapy: [print this page] Defining Sclerotherapy is quite simple, but many still don't have a clear vision of just what it is. To put it simply it is a procedural treatment that deals with the blood vessels and blood vessel malformations. These malformations are sometimes referred to as vascular malformations. In addition to malformations of the blood vessels, sclerotherapy can also deal with other lymphatic system malformations. The lymphatic system includes all tissues and organs that either produce, store, or carry white blood cells (which fight infection and disease).
The lymphatic system incorporates: bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels branch in a way that is similar to the blood vessels of the circulatory system. In similar fashion they branch into all the tissues of the body. During a proper sclerotherapy treatment medicine is injected directly into the vessels. This makes them shrink. Children and young adults who have vascular or lymphatic malformations often undergo the procedure for correction. Adults who access sclerotherapy are often attempting to treat either varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins are most often discovered in a patient's legs. Varicose veins are abnormal swellings (especially of superficial veins).
A hemorrhoid is basically a dilated vein that is found in swollen tissues near the edge of the anus. They are also found at times in the area around the rectum.
More About Sclerotherapy:
As previously discussed, sclerotherapy is used to treat varicose veins and venous malformations. There are other forms of treatment that can also be effective. Some of these include: surgery, radiofrequency and laser ablation. With ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy physicians are able to deliver and monitor the medicinal injections while simultaneously keeping access to the visualization of underlying veins. The very best sclerotherapy practice is to diagnose venous abnormalities first through the use of duplex ultrasound. This should be followed by sclerotherapy conducted under ultrasound guidance.
Recovering from Sclerotherapy processes:
Sclerotherapy treatments can result in certain complications. These complications can include: venous thromboembolism, visual disturbances, allergic reaction, hyperpigmentation, thrombophlebitis, and skin necrosis. Complications as a result of sclerotherapy is extremely rare. There should not even be any damage to the surrounding area's skin as long as sclerotherapy injections are administered accurately.
Problems may ensue if the injections are not administered accurately; if they are injected outside of the vein. In this case both scarring and tissue necrosis can ensue.
