Endoscopic perforating vein surgery

Perforator incompetence, caused by primary valvular incompetence or by previous deep venous thrombosis, contributes to ambulatory venous hypertension and the development of chronic venous disease. Although the exact role and contribution of perforators to the development of ulcers are still debated, poor results of nonoperative management to prevent ulcer recurrence justify surgical attempts at perforator ligation, in addition to ablation of superficial reflux. The endoscopic technique of perforator interruption has significantly fewer wound complications than the open technique and is the preferred method for ablation of medial perforating veins. Interruption of incompetent perforators with ablation of the superficial reflux, if present, effectively and durably decreases symptoms of CVI and rapidly heals ulcers. Ulcer recurrence following correction of perforator and superficial reflux in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome is much higher than in patients with primary valvular incompetence. A prospective randomized trial is needed to define the long-term benefits of interrupting incompetent perforators in all patients with advanced chronic venous disease and which patients with post-thrombotic syndrome should undergo perforator interruption.