You may have seen some people with blue or purple veins appearing along their legs, knotted together like a ball of thread. In medical terms, this condition is called 'Varicose Veins'. For some, this is just an appearance problem, but for others, it can cause pain, heaviness, itching, and sometimes even scarring in the legs. So, there are now very advanced and simple treatments for this discomfort. Today, we are going to talk about one such very effective treatment, the Polidocanol injection.
What is Polidocanol?
Simply put, Polidocanol is a drug. We call it a 'sclerosing agent'. Think of it like a solution that 'softens and removes' that tangled, swollen vein.
The doctor uses a very fine needle to inject this medicine directly into your varicose vein. Then something amazing happens. This medicine reacts with the inner wall of the vein, causing it to 'damage' the wall slightly. This doesn't mean it hurts, it just causes the vein walls to stick together. Then the blood flow through that vein stops.
Over time, your body naturally dissolves, absorbs, and eliminates the stuck, clogged vein. Eventually, the unsightly, twisted vein disappears completely. This is the basic principle of this treatment. In Sri Lanka, this medicine can be found under brand names such as `(Varithena)`.
Things to tell your doctor before treatment
Before deciding whether this treatment is right for you, you should be completely open with your doctor. Be sure to discuss these points in particular.
- History of blood clots: If you have ever had blood clots anywhere in your body, especially in the deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT), you should tell your doctor.
- Allergies: Please inform us if you are allergic to any other medicine, food, skin cream, or dye, not just to Polidocanol.
- Pregnancy: If you are currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or have any doubts about it, tell your doctor before treatment.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is very important to inform the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother.
By telling your doctor exactly this information without hiding it, he can make the best decision about how safe and appropriate this treatment is for you.
How is this treatment given?
This is not a medicine you can take home and use. It is definitely injected into a vein in a hospital or clinic, by a doctor who has received special training in this . So there is nothing to worry about safety.
If young children need this treatment, they should discuss it with a pediatrician and make decisions based on their advice.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased (overdose)?
Since this is administered by a doctor, the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened to you, immediately inform the medical staff present at the time. In an emergency, you should go directly to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . Also, if you suspect an overdose of any medicine, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the possible side effects after treatment?
As with any medical treatment, there are some minor side effects that can occur. But most people don't experience any serious problems. Let's take a look at what these are.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Sudden rash on the skin, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of blood clots | Sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling, redness, and pain in just one leg. |
| Common, non-serious side effects (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Injection site reactions | Slight pain, redness, bruising, or itching at the injection site. This usually goes away within a few days. |
| Pain | Slight pain along the treated vein. |
This list only includes the most common side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Polidocanol is an injection for varicose veins. It works by shrinking the affected vein and allowing it to be absorbed by the body.
- Before undergoing this treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions (especially blood clots) and allergies you have.
- This is only given by a trained doctor in a hospital or clinic. It cannot be used at home.
- It is normal to experience some mild pain or bruising at the injection site. However, if you experience any severe allergic symptoms, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the legs, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be sure to discuss any questions, fears, or doubts you have about this treatment with your doctor before treatment.
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