Review paper
Foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser treatment and ambulatory phlebectomy – advances in the treatment of varicose veins

Approximately 20% of the general population suffers from symptomatic varicose veins. Many of the risk factors, for example standing or sitting work, habitual constipation or widely used oral contraception, are associated with the lifestyle of developed countries. This qualifies varicosity as a social disease. In this article, aetiology, pathomechanism and standardized international classification are presented. Modern management of varicose veins, such as foam sclerotherapy that has developed from liquid sclerotherapy, intravenous laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy, are also discussed. These procedures, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, are described. The new varicose vein treatment methods are considered to be safe and effective when properly chosen for each patient. Even though the costs of the modern therapeutic procedures are relatively high, they are becoming more and more popular with both patients and doctors. Compared to the traditional methods, they seem to be an attractive alternative because of their minimal invasiveness, the possibility of ambulatory treatment, a short convalescence and a good cosmetic effect.