About Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) Procedures

Just prior to UGS a full-duplex scan is performed on your leg. This examination is similar to the screening scan that has been performed by our doctors at your initial consultation but is more detailed. The procedure is then performed with you lying on the treatment couch. Whilst viewing the image on the ultrasound screen our doctors will guide a fine needle into the centre of the abnormal vein and injects a precise amount of sclerosant solution into the vein. This has the effect of sealing the vein off at that point. This will prevent abnormal flow down the vein. The procedure involves minimal discomfort. Following the procedure, you are required to wear the graduated venous compression stocking for 2 weeks. Usually, several injections are required. Some people require a small follow-up treatment for a satisfactory result.

If you have more than one deep vein that needs treatment, or very large veins, or have had previous surgical procedures, you are more likely to need a follow-up treatment, performed at either your 2 weeks, 3 months or 1 year follow-up visit.

During the second week of wearing the stocking, you have the option of taking the stocking off at night just before going to bed and putting it back on again straight after you get up in the morning. It is all right to wear the stocking all the time during the second week. As with other forms of sclerotherapy you must walk for at least 30 minutes on each day that the stocking is on. It is essential that you walk for 30 minutes immediately after the procedure and it is a good idea to walk for 30 minutes several times per day for the first 3 days following treatment (or whenever the leg aches). After you have walked immediately after treatment you can drive your car.

It is usual for there to be some tenderness, lumpiness, hardness and bruising/discolouration along the line of the treated veins. If there are specific hard lumps close to the skin surface it may be necessary to have these drained by a small needle puncture. This is usually done after 2 - 4 weeks.

FURTHER READING ABOUT ULTRASOUND GUIDED SCLEROTHERAPY (UGS)

MORE QUESTIONS?

See more commonly asked questions in our FAQ's section about varicose and spider veins.

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