Comparison of sclerotherapy, laser, and radiowave coagulation in treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias

Abstract

Introduction: Telangiectasias represent an esthetic problem. Sclerotherapy, laser and radiowave coagulation are established methods of treatment. The aim of the treatment is a cosmetic improvement in the leg appearance. Aim: To define which method provides best results in lower extremity telangiectasias treatment and also to determine which method is most comfortable for the patient. Materials and methods: Thirty female volunteers, ages 3066 years (mean 49 years), were included in the research, with telangiectasias in the thigh measuring 0,1 to 2 mm in diameter, and skin phototype according to Fitzpatrick IIV. Three rectangular areas 3×5 cm2, were marked on the thigh, with nearly same pattern and appearance of telangiectasias in each field. In each rectangle, only one session of sclerotherapy, laser, and radiowave coagulation were performed, respectively. It is completely documented with the digital camera prior to the therapy and 3 months after the treatment. At the end of the study, three blinded experts graded leg telangiectasias for clearance using obtained digital images. Patients were also required to describe the sense of pain during each procedure as minimal, mild, or strong. Chi-square test was used for statistical data processing. Results: After 3 months period, there was a high statistical significant difference among methods of treatment (χ = 45.492, p<0.01). The most efficient was sclerotherapy. Also there was a high statistical significant difference (χ test=30.549, p<0.01) among levels of pain experienced by patients in the study. Minimal sense of pain was associated with sclerotherapy. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the most efficient method in terms of telangiectasias clearance is sclerotherapy. It also showed that most comfortable method for the patient is sclerotherapy, since it produces minimal pain during the procedure. It can be concluded that sclerotherapy is a successful method in treating lower extremity telangiectasias leaving both, patient and physician content. © 2012 Informa UK, Ltd.