Varicose Wounds
If varicose veins are not treated, wounds may occur in different places, including the inner surface of the ankle, in the long term.
Ø In general, considering that people wait until the last minute, we encounter “wounds” that run, smell and have tissue loss.
Ø On the basis of these wounds lies the long-term neglected problem of varicose veins. Leg wounds occur in a significant portion, if not all, of untreated varicose patients.
Ø One of the options that can be used in the treatment of varicose ulcer wounds is “Sclerotherapy” or “Foam Therapy”.
Ø Basically, removing or ligating the vessels around these wounds is one of the options for treatment.
Ø Now, we get positive results when foam treatment is applied to the insufficiency varicose veins with a diameter of more than 3 mm.
Ø In a recent study, 10-year results on this subject were published. Ø 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate material was used. We do not have this substance in our country, but instead we use AETHOXYSKLEROL, which is used in Europe. I can say that it is more effective.
With foam treatment in Ø 336 patients, 21% of the wounds were healed within 6 weeks, and 46.1% in the second 6th week.
Ø Now let’s get down to the details of the numbers. The total recovery rate is as high as 67.1%. It is not possible to achieve such a high success rate in every patient. Unfortunately, this is the only treatment option available, apart from supportive treatments.
Ø Wounds are difficult to treat. The rate of 61% in 12 weeks is very successful. Ø 12 weeks can also be considered short in time. These wounds can heal within months.
Ø It requires serious wound care.
Ø For treatment, it is necessary to patiently comply with the basic treatment conditions.
Ø First of all, we should not allow the formation of wounds.
Ø We should treat varicose veins on time.
Ø If there is a varicose scar, the underlying insufficiency veins should be determined with a detailed ultrasound and a treatment should be planned accordingly.
Ø After the underlying cause is treated, insufficiency of the veins around the ulcer wound
- After foam treatment, long-term compression therapy should be applied.
The development of varicose scars can be seen below.
The effects of foam sclerotherapy on ulcer healing: a single-center prospective study. Cuffolo G, Hardy E, Perkins J, Hands LJ. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2019 Jan 3:1-5.
Comparative analysis of endovenous laser ablation versus ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Weber B, Marquart E, Deinsberger J, Tzaneva S, Böhler K. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Apr;35(4):e15322
