SUBFASCIAL ENDOSCOPIC PERFORATOR VEIN SURGERY (SEPS) USING THE BALLOON DISSECTOR; THE FIRST 17 CASES IN OUR COUNTRY

Pupose: Subfascial endoscopic vein surgery (SEPS) has recently became popular as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional techniques to treat chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. Limited data have been published about SEPS procedure. We want to report the clinical results of SEPS procedure using baloon dissector of first operated patients in our country.

Methods: SEPS procedure using baloon dissector with two ports together saphenous vein surgery were performed to the patients with venous insufficiency. Pneumatic tourniquet was not used. After surgery, all patients were followed-up prospectivelly.

Results: Seventeen operations were performed in 17 patients (9 males,8 females): 2 legs with open ulcer, 1 with ulcer scar, 7 with skin changes and 7 with edema. The clinical scor decreased after surgery. Improvement of the symptoms were determined. No serious complication was seen. At 1-year follow-up there is no problem.

Conclusion: First clinical results have shown that SEPS using baloon dissector and saphenous vein surgery is a safe and hopeful procedure for the patients with venous insufficiency. (Turkish J Vasc Surg 2006;15(2):33-38).