INTRODUCTION: Sclerotherapy is one the most performed procedures by Brazilian vascular surgeons and angiologists. The basic principle is to eliminate the varicose vein, destroying its internal wall. In Brazil, there is a range of practices involved in this treatment especially regarding the sclerosing type, association with laser, use of gloves during the procedure, recommended resting time, sun exposure, practice of physical activity, use of post-sclerotherapy compression, among others. OBJECTIVE: To obtain knowledge on the most varied practices and techniques of this therapeutic modality, widely practiced by Brazilian angiologists. METHODS: The survey was carried out among approximately 3 thousand Brazilian angiologists, members of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery - SBACV. The physicians answered an e-mail questionnaire on the techniques and indications of sclerotherapy of the lower limb varicose veins in Brazil. The link (www.iniciacaocientifica.com.br/pne) was made available with multiple choice questions. RESULTS: The questionnaire submitted was answered by 232 physicians. Gloves were worn during the procedure by 79.74% of the physicians; compression was employed by 52.59%; regarding physical activity after sclerotherapy , 46.12% of the physicians did not restrict, while 52.59% of them approved exercise after 1-3 days; ways to reduce pain during the procedure were used by 43.53% of the respondents; glucose 75% turned out to be the sclerosing agent most used by 35.34%; the most frequent systemic complication was lipothymia at 7.76%, and the most frequent local complication was hyperchromia at 66.38%; regarding sun exposure after the procedure: 28.02% released after the sclerotherapy with sunscreen, 24.57% after 15-30 days, and 25.43% after a period less than 15 days. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that sclerotherapy is widely employed by Brazilian angiologists in their daily practice, the survey has shown little agreement in relevant points, such as the use of compression, release for physical activities, and sun exposure.
varicose veins; sclerotherapy; sclerosing agent
