Consensus for sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) periodically develops consensus documents for its members concerning various aspects of dermatologic surgery. Unwanted and painful leg veins are a very widespread problem. Many advances in sclerotherapy of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins have occurred since the previous consensus documents. OBJECTIVE: In 2013, the ASDS Board of Directors voted to have a committee of experts in the field to develop consensus documents on sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An expert panel reviewed the literature on sclerotherapy and discussed the findings. A consensus was reached with evidence-based recommendations on diagnostic evaluation and treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins. RESULTS: The consensus documents include discussion of indications for treatment, patient selection, contraindications, diagnostic testing, treatment approaches, use of compression, and expected outcome. Common sclerosants and their mechanisms of action, advantages and disadvantages of foam sclerotherapy, and minimizing and treating complications are presented. CONCLUSION: The ASDS consensus documents on sclerotherapy will be helpful in educating their members on safe and effective sclerotherapy of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins.