title: Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery is associated with significantly less morbidity and shorter hospital stay than open operation (Linton's procedure)
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) is the minimally invasive alternative to the open (Linton's) procedure. This new technique may allow perforating vein interruption with fewer complications and a shorter postoperative hospital stay.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a case note review of 67 procedures: 30 SEPS and 37 Linton's.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex and indication for surgery. SEPS was associated with a significantly reduced postoperative stay in hospital (median 2 (range 1-49) days) compared with the Linton's procedure (median 9 (range 3-36) days) (P < 0.01). Nine patients who had Linton's procedure suffered a calf wound complication compared with none who had SEPS. The presence of an open ulcer at the time of surgery did not prolong the duration of stay in either group, nor did it increase the incidence of calf wound complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients undergoing calf perforator interruption for chronic venous insufficiency, SEPS is associated with significantly less morbidity and a shorter hospital stay than Linton's procedure. SEPS can be performed safely at the same time as skin grafting and in the presence of an open ulcer without any increase in wound complications.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Stuart
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Adam
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Bradbury
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Ruckley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery