✦ Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS)

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS)

Q: What are the side effects of foam sclerotherapy?

Mild bruising, brown skin pigmentation along treated veins (usually fades over months), telangiectatic matting (small new veins), allergic reaction (rare), and very rarely visual or neurological symptoms.

Q: How many sessions are needed?

Most patients need 1–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, depending on the extent of disease and response. Touch-up sessions may be needed for fully optimal cosmetic outcome over time.

Q: Can spider veins be treated this way?

Yes — small spider veins respond well to liquid or microfoam sclerotherapy. Larger reticular feeders are best treated first to prevent rapid recurrence of the spider veins on the surface.

Q: What about deep vein thrombosis risk?

DVT risk is low (under 1%) when the procedure is done correctly with appropriate foam volume, compression, and immediate walking. High-risk patients are screened and may need anticoagulant prophylaxis.

A foam sclerosant is injected into varicose veins under ultrasound guidance — closing the vein from inside with no incisions and no anaesthesia.

20–45 min PROCEDURE

Day-Care HOSPITAL STAY

85–90% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Days RECOVERY

What is Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS)?

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS) is a treatment in which a sclerosant medication is mixed with air to form a foam, then injected into varicose veins under ultrasound guidance. The foam displaces blood and contacts the entire vein wall, causing it to spasm, scar, and ultimately close. The body reabsorbs the closed vein over weeks. Dr. Abhishek performs UGFS at Lux Hospitals for tortuous tributaries, recurrent varicose veins, residual disease after EVLA/RFA, and small to medium varicosities — no incisions, no anaesthesia, quick recovery.

How the Procedure Works

Duplex Mapping

The varicose veins are mapped with duplex ultrasound to plan the injection sites.

Foam Preparation

Sclerosant solution is mixed with air using the Tessari technique to create stable foam.

Ultrasound-Guided Injection

Foam is injected into the targeted vein under direct ultrasound visualisation for accurate delivery.

Vein Spasm

The foam contacts the vein wall, causing immediate spasm — confirmed by loss of duplex flow.

Compression

Leg is wrapped in compression bandage or stocking; patient walks for 30 minutes before discharge.

Outcomes

20–45 minDURATION

Day-CareHOSPITAL STAY

85–90%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→No incisions, no anaesthesia, no sutures
→Excellent for tortuous tributaries unsuitable for thermal ablation
→Cost-effective and quick — under an hour total clinic time
→Can be repeated for residual or recurrent disease
→Useful for treating venous ulcer feeders alongside compression therapy
→Same-day return to most activities including office work

Foam sclerotherapy fills an important gap — it treats the tortuous tributaries that don't suit laser or RFA, and it lets us close residual veins without ever picking up a scalpel. For the right patient, it's elegant medicine.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of foam sclerotherapy?+

How many sessions are needed?+

Can spider veins be treated this way?+

What about deep vein thrombosis risk?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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