Complications and side-effects of foam sclerotherapy.

AIMS: To describe and report incidence and frequency of side-effects and complications of sclerotherapy with foamed sclerosing agents. To explain, when possible, their pathophysiology and to indicate possible manoeuvres and techniques to limit them.

METHODS: Review of current literature and personal research.

RESULTS: Complications of foam sclerotherapy include complications of sclerotherapy in general and specific complications of foamed sclerosing agents. Side-effects related to the sclerosing compounds are also taken into account.

CONCLUSION: Complications and side-effects of careful foam sclerotherapy remain uncommon. However, more research is needed to understand them better and to further reduce their incidence. Their description to patients in the course of the informed consent is a prerequisite to any sclerosing treatment.