Patient satisfaction after sclerotherapy of venous malformations in children

BACKGROUND We have introduced and performed percutaneous sclerotherapy on pediatric patients, and information regarding the mid- and long-term results after percutaneous treatment of peripheral venous malformations is necessary to counsel patients and their parents about the outcome of the therapy. This study was designed to retrospectively evaluate the long-term satisfaction of pediatric patients following percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs). METHODS A total of 53 children younger than 16 years of age with VMs who underwent sclerotherapy were included in this study. Self-assessment questionnaires regarding the treatment effectiveness and patients' satisfaction were sent to 50 of 53 patients. Sclerotherapy was performed using 3% polidocanol, absolute ethanol, or 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO). RESULTS The median numbers of sessions per patient was 2.0 (range, 1-12), and the median follow-up time was 1.8 years (range, 6months-8.3years). Forty-two patients (84%) returned the questionnaire. The most frequent symptom was swelling (95%, 40/42) before sclerotherapy. After treatment, patients felt less pain (82%, 23/28), functional limitation (78%, 14/18), swelling (70%, 28/40), and cosmetic disfigurement (59%, 13/22). None of the patients responded "worse" for any symptoms, and 30 patients (71%) reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the treatment. CONCLUSION Percutaneous sclerotherapy of VMs was safe and effective for relieving symptoms in our pediatric patients, and many of them were satisfied with the outcomes.