Sclerotherapy
- Interventional Radiology
About this procedure
This guide provides information about a sclerotherapy procedure. It includes details about what is involved, how to prepare and what to expect during and after the procedure. Please use this in addition to information from your doctor and nurse.
A sclerotherapy is performed in an interventional radiology suite at IntraCare in Epsom. Your interventional radiologist will be assisted by our team of nurses and other highly skilled personnel.
Both IntraCare and Allevia Hospital will be involved with your care for this procedure. Allevia Hospital is responsible for your admission, preparation and aftercare.
What is a sclerotherapy?
A sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat blood vessel malformations (arterial – venous vascular malformations), and malformations of the lymphatic system. The malformations occur when there is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins.
Sclerotherapy works by injecting sclerosing solutions into the troubled vessels, to help make the vessels shrink. This shrinkage is caused by spasm of the muscular layer of the vessel walls. The sclerosing solution damages the vessel walls, causing inflammation and gradual scarring (sclerosis) over the following weeks.
Before the procedure
Pre-procedure phone call
A nurse from IntraCare will call you 24–48 hours prior to your procedure to discuss the following information:
- Your admission time.
- When you should stop eating and drinking.
- Medication instructions.
- Allergies (including medications, contrast dye, dressings/plasters and food).
- Answer any further questions.
Anticoagulation (blood thinner)
If you are taking any blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin, Clexane, Pradaxa, Rivaroxaban), please make this known to IntraCare staff at the time of booking. Your interventional radiologist will advise you if you need to stop this medication temporarily for a few days before the procedure.
Other regular medications
Please continue to take these unless advised otherwise by your interventional radiologist. If you are taking a diuretic or water pills (e.g. frusemide, spironolactone), you may need to withhold this on the morning of the procedure.
Reminders for the day of your procedure
- If you are on regular medication, please bring this with you in its original packaging.
- Please leave all your jewellery and valuables at home. You are welcome to bring your mobile phone in with you.
- We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing and shoes that are easy to slip on/off.
- You are encouraged to bring a friend or a family member as a support person before and after your procedure.
- The planned procedure time is an estimate only and may vary. We will keep you informed of any unexpected delays on the day.
Informed consent
As with any procedure, there are potential risks involved. Your interventional radiologist and anaesthetist will explain the procedure, discuss possible risks and answer any questions you may have. Your whānau or support person are welcome to be part of this discussion. You will then be asked to sign the consent form. This will occur either at an earlier appointment or on the day of your procedure.
Your procedure
Preparation
You will be collected by an IntraCare nurse from ADU, Allevia Hospital to IntraCare for your procedure. A small intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm for medication to be injected. Medication will be given to help you relax and keep you comfortable while the anaesthetist puts you to sleep.
Other devices for monitoring blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels will be fitted to ensure your safety during the procedure.
The procedure
The interventional radiologist will perform the procedure under both ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance. The access areas will be prepared with an antiseptic solution before placing sterile drapes around the access sites and over the rest of your body to ensure sterility is maintained.
Your interventional radiologist can choose from several chemicals available for use in sclerotherapy. He/she will select the appropriate chemical and concentration of it based on the location and size of the vessel being treated.
After your procedure
You will be transferred to Post Anaethesia Care Unit (PACU), Allevia hospital for a short period of time, before being transferred to Stella Maris ward, Allevia Hospital for post procedure care. If appropriate you will be discharged home on the same day.
Some swelling around the treatment area can be expected, due to the inflammatory process immediately post treatment.
Recovery and discharge
- Following your procedure, it is important that you do not drive for 24 hours.
- Please ensure you have a family member or friend to drive you home from the hospital, as you may still be under the effects of anaesthesia or sedation.
- You will need to arrange for someone to be at home with you on the day of your discharge and overnight to support you in your recovery.
- Due to the sedation, you may feel lethargic afterwards with reduced concentration. For this reason, for 24 hours after your procedure:
- Do not do any activity requiring strength, concentration, or full alertness.
- Do not make any legal decisions or sign legal documents.
Resuming travel and activities
- You will be able to return to work within a week of having the procedure.
- You can begin light exercise after 1 week.
Medication
Seek immediate medical attention (dial 111 for an ambulance) if there is excessive bleeding from the puncture site or if you are experiencing severe chest pain.
- If you have any concerns, please contact IntraCare:
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- Monday to Friday (6:30am – 6:00pm): 09 630 1961
- After-hours, weekends, and public holidays: 0274 820 763
In case of emergency, always call 111.
FAQs
Who do I contact if I have concerns following the procedure?
If you have concerns in the first few days, contact your radiologist, or a nurse at IntraCare. Some swelling around the treatment area can be expected, due to the inflammatory process immediately post treatment.
Is this procedure covered by health insurance?
If you have private health insurance please contact our administration team. IntraCare is affiliated with most health insurance providers and will help you with the approval process and will discuss options for self-funding. Please contact the administration team on 09 630 1961.
What are the chemicals of choice for sclerotherapy?
Commonly used sclerosing chemicals at IntraCare are: sodium tetradecyl sulfate (Fibrovein 3%); Bleomycin; absolute alcohol; Doxycycline.
Your interventional radiologist will select the appropriate chemical and concentration of it based on the location and size of the vessel being treated.