Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

A large part of our work here at The Varicose Vein Clinic is the treatment of varicose veins that have occurred after surgery. UGS is the pre-eminent treatment for this.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is similar to conventional Sclerotherapy, with an improved degree of accuracy and guidance obtained by the doctor.

UGS is a non-surgical procedure which utilises ultrasound imaging as the most accurate way of locating incompetent underlying veins, which cause the more visible varicose veins.

Guided by the ultrasound, injections of ‘sclerosing solution’ are made directly into the blood vessel with pin point accuracy.

UGS is used for patients who experience recurrence of varicose veins after surgery and also for first time patients.

An alternative to UGS is Endovenous Laser Ablation. These techniques are sometimes used in conjunction with one another to achieve the best clinical outcome.

After treatment, patients generally see a huge improvement in the veins in the first few weeks. However, it may take some time to completely disappear. Usually the symptoms of varicose veins, such as aching and restless legs are gone almost immediately.

Recovery from UGS is immediate and patients are instructed to walk for 30min post-treatment and can then return to normal activities. It is recommended to avoid lifting heavy weights and high impact activities for two weeks post-treatment.