[Results of endoscopic perforant vein dissection]

A new endoscopic technique allows insufficient perforating veins to be sectioned under direct visual control with minimal trauma. The endoscopical sectioning of perforating veins was performed on 61 patients in 86 legs. Perforating veins have most frequently been separated in the area of the Cockett group (185), the 24-cm perforating vein (74), and the Boyd group (63). Two patients showed disturbances of wound healing after the operation. By a follow-up examination 2 years postoperatively, insufficient perforating veins were not found in any of the 86 legs operated on. New varices were seen in six legs. With respect to a staging of chronic venous insufficiency, it can be said that in 90% of cases a more favorable stage or complete healing is reached.