A Prospective Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Sclerotherapy with Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate in the Treatment of Pyogenic Granuloma

Abstract

Background: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular tumor. It is a misnomer as it is neither pyogenic nor a granuloma. It commonly occurs after minor injury, with a higher prevalence in children and young adults. Angiogenesis and rapid growth are linked to nitric oxide synthase mechanisms. Treatment options include surgical excision, electrocautery, and sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), which facilitates chemical ablation through cell lysis and thrombosis.

Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted with 30 patients at the Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India, over 12 months. Patients above 18 years of age, who gave consent were included in the study. Patients with lesions on lips/genitals, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant/lactating women were excluded. STS (1-1.5%) was injected until blanching occurred, with follow-ups every week for up to four weeks.

Results: Among 30 patients, 40% were under 30 years; 53.3% were male. Lesions primarily affected hands (36.6%) and the face (26.6%). Complete cure was achieved in 96.7% after a maximum of four injections. Immediate adverse events included burning sensations in 93.3% of patients.

Conclusion: Sclerotherapy with STS demonstrates high efficacy and safety in PG treatment, offering a non-surgical option with minimal scarring and lower recurrence rates, making it suitable for challenging lesions.