Complications of great and small saphenous vein sclerotherapy: Case analysis and clinical recommendations

Sclerotherapy is a widely accepted treatment for reticular veins and telangiectasias, but its use in major truncal veins
such as the great saphenous vein (VSM) and small saphenous vein (VSP) remains controversial. This paper presents
several clinical cases of patients who developed serious complications, including non-healing ulcers and chronic limb
edema, following truncal vein sclerotherapy. We discuss the contraindications for sclerotherapy in these large superficial
veins, the pathophysiological reasons for complications, and review current best practices for the management of
varicose veins, including endovenous thermal ablation and surgical options. Sclerotherapy in major truncal veins
remains controversial due to frequent complications and the short-term effect.
Key words: Sclerotherapy, Varicose veins, Complications, Ulcers