Surgical Treatment of the Superficial and Perforating Veins

Abstract

Objective:

To review the techniques and results of surgical treatment of the superficial and perforating veins in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Methods:

The current techniques used at the Mayo Clinic for treatment of simple varicose veins and venous ulcers are presented. Results of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) are discussed and data from large centres are tabulated. Results are compared with those reported following non-operative management.

Synthesis:

High ligation and invagination stripping of the incompetent segment of the saphenous vein, with stab avulsion of branch varicosities, is the optimal surgical technique to ablate superficial venous incompetence. SEPS is safer than open perforator vein ligation and is the technique of choice to interrupt incompetent perforating veins. A review of 12 series on SEPS, that included 361 limbs, found an ulcer recurrence rate of 10% in those 211 patients who underwent ablation of superficial reflux together with SEPS. One hundred and fifty limbs had SEPS alone, without saphenous stripping: ulcer recurrence in this group at a mean of 23 months was 12%. Results in primary valvular incompetence were significantly better than in post-thrombotic syndrome.

Conclusions:

Ablation of superficial reflux remains the main surgical treatment of all forms of chronic venous insufficiency. SEPS is safe and effective to interrupt medial calf perforators and results in rapid ulcer healing and low recurrence in patients with primary valvular incompetence. The treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome remains a challenge. Results of the North American Venous Ulcer Surgery (NAVUS) trial, a prospective, randomised, multicentre study, will be required to provide level 1 evidence of the effectiveness of surgical treatment over medical therapy in the treatment of venous ulcers.