What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy (sklair-oh-THAIR-uh-pee) is a procedure to close blood vessels and lymph vessels. Doctors do this by injecting a solution into the vessel. The solution irritates the vessel's lining, making it collapse and stick together, sealing the vessel.

Interventional radiologists do sclerotherapy. They're doctors trained to use imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) to diagnose and treat problems with the blood and lymph vessels.

What Does Sclerotherapy Treat?

Doctors use sclerotherapy to treat problems with blood vessels or lymph vessels known as vascular anomalies.

Blood vessels are thin tubes that take blood cells, nutrients, and oxygen to the tissues throughout the body. They also take waste and carbon dioxide away from the tissues.

Lymph vessels are vein-like structures that help carry lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a clear fluid that carries fats, helps fight germs, and keeps the body's fluid levels normal.

What Are the Types of Vascular Anomalies?

Vascular anomalies include:

Some happen deep inside the body and can't be seen. Others form a mark just under or on the skin. Doctors might treat ones that:

  • are seen on the skin
  • cause pain
  • bleed
  • press on an important body part, such as the windpipe or eye

How Is a Sclerotherapy Done?

Interventional radiologists do sclerotherapy in an interventional radiology suite (IR suite). This is like an operating room with extra X-ray and ultrasound equipment.

Before the procedure, a doctor or nurse puts in an intravenous (IV) line. Then the anesthesiologist gives medicine through the IV so the child sleeps through the procedure.

Then, the interventional radiologist will:

  1. Take X-rays and/or ultrasound images to find the vascular anomaly.
  2. Guide the tip of a needle into the vessels to be treated.
  3. Put the solution through the needle into the vessels.
  4. Check blood flow to be sure sclerotherapy sealed the vessels.
  5. Remove the needle.
  6. Sometimes if a malformation is large, the doctor will leave a catheter in it to repeat treatment over the next few days.

What Happens After Sclerotherapy?

After sclerotherapy, kids go to the recovery area to rejoin their family. Most can go home later the same day. A child may have pain and bruising where the vessels were closed for a few days after the procedure.

Are There Any Risks From Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy usually is safe, but has some risks. Sometimes the vessel doesn't close or the wrong vessel closes. A child also might have:

  • skin changes such as blistering or scarring over the area where the procedure was done
  • infection where the needle was put in
  • a slight increase in cancer risk because X-rays are used

The interventional radiologist will review all risks before the procedure.

How Can Parents Help?

Parents can help a child ready for sclerotherapy and recover after it:

  • Follow any instructions the interventional radiology team gives you.
  • Give your child pain medicine as needed and as prescribed.
  • Ask about any instructions that are not clear.
  • Take your child to all follow-up doctor visits.

During recovery, help your child to:

  • Rest and get good sleep.
  • Avoid strenuous activities.
  • Walk daily.
  • Avoid soaking the catheter site in a bath or pool.
  • Eat and drink liquids as tolerated.
Back to Articles

Related Articles

What Is Interventional Radiology (IR)?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a way for doctors to treat problems like vascular anomalies and tumors.

Read More

Embolization

Embolization is a procedure in which plugging material or a plugging object is put into a blood vessel to block it. It's used to help treat many conditions.

Read More

Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. Most hemangiomas grow larger for several months, then shrink slowly. Some will require treatment.

Read More

Congenital Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. A congenital hemangioma is one that a baby is born with. They're usually a bluish or purple circle or oval.

Read More

Arteriovenous Malformations

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Large AVMs or multiple AVMs usually need medical treatment.

Read More

Venous Malformations

A venous malformation (VM) is a place in the body where veins haven't grown the right way. VMs can be difficult to treat.

Read More

Port-Wine Stains

For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal. Port-wine stains won't go away on their own, but they can be treated.

Read More

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are marks on the skin that a baby can develop before birth or soon after. Most birthmarks are harmless and many even go away on their own or shrink over time.

Read More

What's a Birthmark?

Birthmarks, also known as hemangiomas, get their name for one reason: They are marks on the skin of a lot of newborn babies! Find out more about birthmarks in this article for kids.

Read More

Looking at Your Newborn: What's Normal

When you first meet your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.

Read More

Hemangiomas: Suzanne's Story

When Anna was born, she developed red spots that her parents learned were hemangiomas, benign birthmarks that she eventually outgrew. Her mother tells her story.

Read More

Infantile Hemangiomas

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. An infantile hemangioma becomes visible in the first few weeks after birth.

Read More

Word! Hemangioma

This is a big word for a type of birthmark.

Read More

What Are Varicose Veins?

Do you know an older person whose legs look like a road map with all those blue and purple squiggly lines? They're probably varicose veins.

Read More

Why Do Some Pregnant Women Get Varicose Veins?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

CLOVES Syndrome

CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

Read More

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a type of procedure done without the use of a large incision (cut).

Read More

Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis is a condition that causes the growth of benign tumors. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Read More

Neurocutaneous Syndromes

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Read More

Lymphatic Malformations

A lymphatic malformation is a clump of lymph vessels that form a growing spongy cluster. They're unusual growths, but are not cancerous.

Read More

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.