Survey about liquid sclerotherapy of lower limb varicose veins Pesquisa sobre escleroterapia líquida em varizes dos membros inferiores

Introduction: Sclerotherapy is one the most frequent procedures performed by Brazilian vascular surgeons and vascular medicine physicians. Its basic principle is the elimination of varicose veins by destroying their internal wall. In Brazil, sclerotherapy involves a range of practices, such as the choice of sclerosing agent, associated use of laser, wearing or not gloves during the procedure, recommended resting time, and exposure to sunlight, practice of physical activities and use of compression after treatment. Objective: To collect data about various practices and techniques for sclerotherapy, a treatment modality widely used by Brazilian vascular medicine physicians. Methods: This survey was carried out in a universe of about 3,000 Brazilian vascular medicine physicians, members of the Brazilian Society of Vascular Medicine and Surgery – SBACV. The physicians answered a multiple choice questionnaire about techniques and indications of sclerotherapy of varicose veins of the lower limbs in Brazil. The link (www.iniciacaocientifica.com. br/pne) was made available by email. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 232 physicians. Gloves were worn during the procedure by 79.74% of the physicians; compression was used by 52.59%; 46.12% of the physicians did not restrict physical activity after sclerotherapy, and 52.59% approved exercise after 1-3 days; pain reduction during the procedure was used by 43.53% of the respondents; 75% glucose, used by 35.34% of the respondents, was the most frequent sclerosing agent; the most frequent systemic complication was faintness (7.76%), and the most frequent local complication was hyperchromia (66.38%); regarding sun exposure after the procedure: 28.02% allowed exposure to sunlight with sunscreens after sclerotherapy, 24.57% only after 15-30 days, and 25.43% after up to 15 days. Conclusion: Although sclerotherapy is widely used by Brazilian vascular medicine physicians in their daily practice, the survey has shown little agreement in relevant points, such as the use of compression, restriction of physical activities and exposure to sunlight.