sklerosierende

Sklerosierende is an adjective used in German medical terminology to describe substances or procedures that induce sclerosis, i.e., the hardening or scarring of tissue. The root is sklerosieren, from the Greek skleros meaning hard. In clinical contexts, a sklerosierendes Mittel (sclerosing agent) is a substance designed to irritate the inner lining of tissue, triggering inflammation, thrombosis and ultimately fibrosis that occludes or stabilizes a structure.

Common applications

- Sclerotherapy for venous disease: Injections into varicose veins or spider veins use agents such as polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) or, less commonly, hypertonic saline or ethanol. The goal is endothelial damage, leading to vein closure and measurable reduction of symptoms.

- Hemorrhoids and cutaneous lesions: Sclerosing agents may be used to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue or certain skin lesions through local inflammation and fibrosis.

- Pleurodesis and other inductions of fibrotic adhesion: Sclerosants like talc, doxycycline or other irritants can be introduced into the pleural space to promote adhesion of pleural surfaces and prevent recurrent effusions or pneumothorax.

Mechanism and safety

Sklerosierende Substanzen act locally to irritate tissue, provoking inflammation, thrombosis and subsequent fibrotic scarring. While effective when used appropriately, they carry risks such as local pain, inflammation, allergic reactions, tissue necrosis from extravasation, or unintended vessel occlusion. Procedures are typically performed by trained clinicians under controlled conditions.

See also: sclerotherapy, pleurodesis, vascular medicine.