the leg vein clinic

Although standard sclerotherapy has been performed since the 1930’s for surface veins (see detailed notes under "standard sclerotherapy") it has been used since 1989 for the treatment of deeper veins with a procedure called Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). UGS is a way of treating deeper veins without surgery (see also Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA).

Dr Varcoe has a particular interest in these procedures and often lectures about his technique. He has performed more UGS treatments than any other doctor in Queensland. UGS is suitable for those people who have never had their varicose veins treated and those people who have had a recurrence of their varicose veins after surgery, Occasionally some people are not suitable for UGS and Dr Varcoe will discuss your suitability with you. ELA (or laser treatment—click here to watch video of patients who have recieved this type of treatment) may be a more appropriate procedure. It is important to appreciate that varicose vein disease is a chronic condition that requires on-going maintenance and surveillance after the initial course of treatment gains control. Treatment at the earliest stage will help avoid the possible expensive and debilitating complications including leg ulcers, stasis dermatitis and thrombophlebitis. The success rate of the procedure compares most favourably to many published results of surgical treatment and does not require the time off work and pain associated with surgery (as well as usually being less expensive). Dr Varcoe will discuss with you the relative merits of surgery versus UGS and ELA.

Further reading about Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

The Procedure
Possible side-effects with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy