How do I prevent recanalization of large veins following sclerotherapy?

To treat my varicocele I had sclerotherapy with polidicanol 5% to close the large veins. Days later, I got the flu. I am worried that my heavy cough and anti-inflammatory vegetarian diet will cause the veins to recanalize? Should I be worried? How do I ensure the veins remain closed?

Answers from doctors (7)


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Sep 01, 2013

I have to refer you back to your physician.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

I have to refer you back to your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Aug 29, 2013

There really is not much you can do to guarantee successful closure of the treated vein. What determines the effectiveness of the treated vein is the size of the vein, and the tortuosity of the vein. The drug that you were treated with generally works on contact; therefore, the overall effectiveness of the treatment is essentially determined within the first few minutes. If the vein is too large for the concentration of the sclerosant that is being used, then the vein most likely will not completely close. If this occurs, you will require additional treatment. The smaller the vein, the more likely the vein will successfully close. The best way to ensure that the vein remains closed is periodic ultrasound follow up after the start of treatment, this way if the vein starts to re-open it can be treated before it completely re-opens.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

There really is not much you can do to guarantee successful closure of the treated vein. What determines the effectiveness of the treated vein is the size of the vein, and the tortuosity of the vein. The drug that you were treated with generally works on contact; therefore, the overall effectiveness of the treatment is essentially determined within the first few minutes. If the vein is too large for the concentration of the sclerosant that is being used, then the vein most likely will not completely close. If this occurs, you will require additional treatment. The smaller the vein, the more likely the vein will successfully close. The best way to ensure that the vein remains closed is periodic ultrasound follow up after the start of treatment, this way if the vein starts to re-open it can be treated before it completely re-opens.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 27, 2013

I would recommend you discuss this with your surgeon/urologist.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I would recommend you discuss this with your surgeon/urologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 27, 2013

Because the vein is treated with a liquid, there will never be a 100% guarantee that the vein will stay closed. You should definitely keep activity to a minimum, especially with your cough. Just take it easy for a good week. Other than keeping activity to a minimum, it's just a matter of having that polidicanol do its job.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Because the vein is treated with a liquid, there will never be a 100% guarantee that the vein will stay closed. You should definitely keep activity to a minimum, especially with your cough. Just take it easy for a good week. Other than keeping activity to a minimum, it's just a matter of having that polidicanol do its job.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 27, 2013

Your treated leg(s) need to be rechecked.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Your treated leg(s) need to be rechecked.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 26, 2013

The best thing to do post-sclerotherapy is to wear compression hose for at least 48 hours so as to keep the sclerosing solution in contact with the treated veins. Some people even recommend several weeks of compression. Secondly, avoid pounding type exercise, such as jogging or treadmill and squats with weights, for at least one week. I doubt that your cough or diet will affect the veins. That said, there is nothing that will guarantee that the vein will not return. If you are truly concerned, you always have the option of calling your treating physician and requesting a follow-up.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The best thing to do post-sclerotherapy is to wear compression hose for at least 48 hours so as to keep the sclerosing solution in contact with the treated veins. Some people even recommend several weeks of compression. Secondly, avoid pounding type exercise, such as jogging or treadmill and squats with weights, for at least one week. I doubt that your cough or diet will affect the veins. That said, there is nothing that will guarantee that the vein will not return. If you are truly concerned, you always have the option of calling your treating physician and requesting a follow-up.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Aug 26, 2013

Wearing compression stockings will be a significant help in preventing recanalization.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Wearing compression stockings will be a significant help in preventing recanalization.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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