What is sclerotherapy for cysts?

Sclerotherapy for cysts is a procedure to get rid of sac-like pockets of tissue called cysts. Cysts are often filled with fluid, which may be blood, clear fluid, or pus. They can form in different parts of the body, including in organs like the liver or kidneys. Some cysts can get large or infected and need treatment.

During the procedure, your doctor will use a long, thin needle or a small tube (catheter) to drain the cyst. Then your doctor will inject a chemical called a sclerosant into the cyst. This will damage the cyst and help keep it from returning. The doctor will use ultrasound or a CT scan to help guide the needle or catheter.

You will get numbing medicine in the skin. You may also get medicine through an intravenous (I.V.) line in a vein to relax you and help with pain. The procedure may take a few hours. You may go home the same day.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your procedure. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery centre

• Bring a picture ID.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. The area being worked on will be numb.
• The procedure may take a few hours. How long it takes depends on the size and location of the cyst.

When should you contact your doctor?

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
• You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.