Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>In recent years sclerotherapy has increasingly become the treatment of choice for peripheral slow-flow malformations. However, the long-term effectiveness of sclerotherapy is still a matter of debate, especially when it comes to new sclerosing agents like polidocanol. This study aims at gathering further information concerning its long-term effectiveness and safety.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>Most patients reported a reduction of symptoms which include pain (57,7%), swelling (65,4%) and functional impairment (60%). Cosmetic complaints were less likely to be reduced by sclerotherapy (44,4%). In most cases a relief of symptoms was stable for many years, especially after several consecutive treatment sessions. Complication rates were comparably low, with only 2 patients requiring additional treatment at hospital and no lasting damages. (…) (7) Most patients (70,9%) were at least partially satisfied with the treatment. Satisfaction was closely linked to a partial or complete relief of symptoms (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.001).</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title>
<jats:p>Sclerotherapy is a promising way of treating slow-flow-malformations. Polidocanol has proved to be a save sclerosing agent. The reduction of major symptoms was substantial in most cases and lasted for many years.</jats:p>
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