[Endoscopic dissection of perforating veins].

Endoscopic subfascial sectioning (ESDP) is an effective method for the interruption of incompetent perforating veins. From March 1993 to April 1994 27 patients underwent ESDP in 35 legs. ESDP was performed in combination with Babcock's operation in 31 cases. Most patients demonstrated chronic venous insufficiency stage II or III (n = 25). A venous ulcer was found in 9 patients. Intraoperative complications were not seen. Postoperative complications were delayed wound healing (n = 1) and subfascial hematoma (n = 1). At follow-up examination after a mean interval of 8 months persistent insufficient perforating veins were seen in 3 of 88 Cockett veins (4%). A local dysesthesia of the saphenous nerve was found in 6 legs. Prior active venous ulcers had healed in 8 of 9 cases.