Prospective study of safety, patient satisfaction and leg ulcer healing following saphenous and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery

Abstract

Background: Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional techniques for incompetent calf perforators. Although SEPS has been performed for more than a decade, limited and insufficient data have been published regarding its safety, patient satisfaction and results. Methods: A prospective follow-up was undertaken of consecutive SEPS operations on 149 legs, performed in 138 patients: 67 legs with ulceration, 34 with skin changes and 48 with varicose veins. Conventional saphenous vein surgery was performed, when indicated, together with the SEPS procedure. Follow-up was performed after 1 week and later by postal questionnaire to assess long-term morbidity, late complications and patient satisfaction. Patients with ulcers were followed continuously. Results: Most operations (n = 107) were performed as day-case surgery. Combined saphenous vein surgery was performed in 89 per cent. No serious complications occurred: wound infection in 7 per cent; severe postoperative pain in 9 per cent; delayed wound healing in 15 per cent. After a median follow-up of 7 (1-31) months, 91 per cent of patients were satisfied. After a median of 32 (14-57) months, ulcer healing had occurred in 30 of 36 patients with open ulceration at the time of operation. Conclusions: SEPS is a safe procedure, suitable for day-case surgery. Patients are generally satisfied with the outcome and the results of leg ulcer healing are promising.