Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Endoscopic versus open surgery for soft tissue vascular anomalies and benign tumors: a two-center propensity
Ming Li1, Huaijie Wang2, Zhengtuan Guo2
1Department of Burn & Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital to Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China.
Background:
No large-scale study has compared the outcomes of soft-tissue endoscopic surgery (SOFTES) with conventional open surgery (OS) for vascular anomalies and benign soft tissue tumors. We aimed to compare the operative safety, efficacy, and outcomes of the two approaches for soft tissue lesions.
Methods:
Patients (n = 414) undergoing SOFTES or OS in two centers were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias and group differences. The treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results:
After matching, 150 patients (SOFTES: 75; OS: 75) were included. Compared with the OS group, the estimated blood loss in the SOFTES group was significantly lower [20 mL (1-500) vs. 50 mL (5-600); p = 0.001]; however, the operative duration was significantly longer [223 minutes (35-490) vs. 173 minutes (37-494); p = 0.008]. Major complications were not observed. The incidence of focal burn of skin in the SOFTES group was higher than that in the OS group (p = 0.048). The incidences of superficial peroneal nerve injury, postoperative bleeding, persistent lymph drainage, local sensory paralyses (<5 cm2), surgical site infection, hematoma/seroma, and residual mild pain were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the incidence of wound dehiscence [n = 0 (0.00%) vs. n = 7 (9.33%); p = 0.010] and flap necrosis [n = 1 (1.33%) vs. n = 11 (14.67%); p = 0.005] was significantly higher in the OS group than in the SOFTES group. Residual pain was cured or significantly improved. All patients achieved resolution of contracture had normal or near-normal joint motion.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for various vascular anomalies and benign soft tissue tumors in selected patients. This paradigm shift has many advantages in terms of clinical outcomes and reduces postoperative complications.
