ENDOSCOPIC SECTIONING OF PERFORATING VEIN S

Endoscopic subfascial sectioning (ESDP) is an effective method for the interruption of incompetent perforating veins. From March 1993 to Apr il 1994 27 patients underwent ESDP in 35 legs. ESDP was performed in c ombination with Babcock's operation in 31 cases. Most patients demonst rated chronic venous insufficiency stage II or III (n = 25). A venous ulcer was found in 9 patients. Intraoperative complications were not s een. Postoperative complications were delayed wound healing (n = 1) an d subfascial hematoma (n = 1). At follow-up examination after a mean i ntervall of 8 months persistent insufficient perforating veins were se en in 3 of 88 Cockett veins (4%). A local dysesthesia of the saphenous nerve was found in 6 legs. Prior active venous ulcers had healed in 8 of 9 cases.