Sclerotherapy refers to the direct injection through the skin of a substance that will produce scarring in vascular malformations and hemangiomas. These procedures are usually performed in an angiography suite, with the assistance of ultrasound guidance and “fluoroscopy” or real-time x-ray monitoring.

The goal is to generate scarring in the highly vascular malformation with the intent of reducing the blood supply and flow velocity to the problem site, thereby reducing the size of the disorder. Different substances (sclerosing agents) have been used to achieve this goal and at the Center for Endovascular Surgery (CES), over the past 15 years, the technique of sclerotherapy has been refined with excellent results.

Endovenous laser therapy ablation is a technique to aid sclerotherapy of large venous malformations. The combination of endovenous laser therapy and sclerosant injection appears to result in a more rapid response and an easier recovery from the procedures. Extensive vascular malformations often require a series of these procedures, and patients may benefit from additional treatment a few years later.

The healing process goes through various stages and may takes months. At first, there is swelling and bruising. The swelling reduces over the first day or two. It does not completely go away until blood within the damaged site is absorbed. This may take up to 2-3 months. If the skin is involved in the vascular malformation, a blister or sore may develop with some discoloration. As the healing occurs there may be some pain associated with it. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to help.

At the CES, sclerotherapy cases are reviewed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists, that include interventional neuroradiologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, psychologists and other specialists that have development a unique approach in the assessment and management of patients with these complex problems.