Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy as a therapeutic modality in venous ulceration

Surgeon. 2022 Oct;20(5):e206-e213. doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2021.08.008. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate rates of ulcer healing following ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS).

Methods: The MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases were used to search for relevant studies using the terms ' (sclerotherapy AND ulcer) OR (vein AND ulcer) OR (sclerotherapy AND vein)'. Heterogeneity between studies was quantified using the I2 statistic. A random effects model was used to calculate risk ratios where substantial heterogeneity was found.

Results: The initial search yielded 8266 articles. 8 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 3 in the meta-analysis. Superior complete ulcer healing rates were noted in patients treated with foam sclerotherapy versus compression therapy alone (pooled OR 6.41, 95% CI = 0.3-148.2, p = 0.246, random effects method). A marked degree of heterogeneity was observed between studies (I2 = 81%).

Conclusion: A prospective, trial is warranted in order to determine the true merits of UGFS in the setting of venous ulceration.

Keywords: Foam; Sclerotherapy; Ulcer; Venous.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recurrence
  • Saphenous Vein
  • Sclerotherapy / adverse effects
  • Sclerotherapy / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulcer / etiology
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional
  • Varicose Ulcer* / diagnostic imaging
  • Varicose Ulcer* / etiology
  • Varicose Ulcer* / therapy
  • Varicose Veins* / etiology