EARLY AND MID TERM RESULTS OF SUBFASCIAL LIGATION OF PERFORATOR VEINS IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE VENOUS ULCERS

Methods: Our study was a prospective study and included 18 patients with active venous ulcers to whom subfascial ligation was done to 20 extremities. 16 patients were male and two patients were female. Ages of patients were between 38-58 (mean age was 49.1). Patients were examined by history, physical examination, and duplex ultrasonography, and classified according to CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathological) classification. Median incisions were done from ankle to leg level to the extremities and through these perforator veins were found and ligated.

Results: Mean time from the induction of general anesthesia to the end of the operation was 165 minutes (125- 205 minutes). Mean number of ligated perforator veins was 3.4 (3-5). No major complication was seen. Mean hospitalisation time was 3.6 days (3-5). At the third month of follow up period all scars were healed and all patients were continued to their normal life.

Conclusion: We think that no considerable difference seen when we compare the open surgery with the SEPS technique for the patients with leg ulcers due the venous insufficiency. Because we found that hospitalisation period and scar healing time of our patients is not different from the patients treated with SEPS technique when we examined their series. (Turkish J Vasc Sur 2007;16(3):13-18).