Compression sclerotherapy of varicose veins

THIS study was originally stimulated by an article in the Lancet describing the l"continuous compression technique of injecting varicose veins " (Fegan 1963). Through the generosity of the Upjohn Foundation I was able to visit Dublin in October, 1967 and study the work originated by Fegan being carried out on an extensive scale in the Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital. Since that time the "Fegan technique " has been used on a number of my own patients, some of whom have been followed up for periods of over a year. The following is a review of the basis and tech-nique of "continuous compression sclerotherapy " and some preliminary results of its application in general practice. H;story Traditionally there have been three methods of treating varicose veins, support, obliteration and removal. Support by means of bandages or elastic stockings is largely palliative and though it may relieve symptoms and reduce the rate of progression, it is in no sense curative. Surgery was first advocated by Galen, and various modifications of ligation, and widespread stripping have since been advocated and are still extensivel