Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery: a surgical approach to halting venous ulceration

One of the responsibilities of WOC nurses is to possess expert knowledge regarding the treatment and management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). WOC nurses must stay abreast of new approaches that are being used, such as subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS). Patients who have repeated ulceration, even with long-term compression therapy and compliance with a good skin regimen, are excellent candidates for referral for SEPS. SEPS is a minimally invasive approach used to ligate the perforator veins in the lower extremities. This procedure is done to bypass the faulty one-way valves in the perforator veins that allow backflow into the venous system, thereby causing CVI. The published research on SEPS shows that it holds great promise as an alternative approach in the treatment of CVI. Additional studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy of SEPS; however, it appears to be a viable option for patients who are plagued with CVI and repeated ulcerations.