$Unique_ID{BRK00692}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Are "Scleroid Injections"?}
$Subject{varicose veins treatment injections special procedure procedures
Circulatory arteries artery injection sclerotherapy vein}
$Volume{P-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are "Scleroid Injections"?


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QUESTION:  With some horrible varicose veins to mar the "beauty" of my legs, I
dread the coming of the summer season and wearing shorts.  A friend has
advised that I look into something called "scleroid injections".  Do you know
what she is referring to and will you please explain it to me?

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ANSWER:  While the terminology is slightly off, the suggestion has some merit.
She is referring to "injection sclerotherapy," a procedure in which a liquid
capable of damaging the tissue that lines the veins is injected directly into
the vein.  The physician will use one of many techniques to "empty" the vein
first, and to be sure the injected liquid remains in the selected area.
Immediately after the injection, compression bandages will be put into place
to assure that the walls of the injected vein are held together, so that the
healing process that follows the injury provoked by the injection will seal
the vein and collapse the varicosity.  Since the secret of the success of this
procedure is that the vein be completely obliterated by the fibrotic tissue
produced during healing, your leg will have to remain in compression bandages
for three weeks or more.  You will be encouraged to continue to walk about as
much as possible, to help circulate your blood through the leg normally.  One
other caution.  If you presently take birth control pills, you will have to do
without them for at least 6 weeks before the injection, as they may possibly
lead to the formation of undesired blood clots.  Since there are other
considerations, discuss the procedure at length with your surgeon before
proceeding.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.