Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) for treating venous leg ulcers

Vascular anomalies of the limb and trunk in children: a retrospective comparative study of endoscopic surgery and open surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic resection has been reported for vascular anomalies (VA) previously. However, there is no study comparing endoscopic resection surgery (ERS) with open resection surgery (ORS) in children. We aimed to compare clinical and cosmetic outcomes between two approaches in pediatric VA.

METHODS

Between June 2018 and June 2023, 138 pediatric VA patients undergoing ERS or ORS were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize selection bias. The Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) Scale and numerical rating scale (NRS) based on patient satisfaction were used for cosmetic assessment.

RESULTS

After PSM for age, depth of lesion, size of lesion, and site of surgery, 72 patients (ERS = 24, ORS = 48) were analyzed. Patients undergoing ERS had longer operative time (164.25 ± 18.46 vs. 112.85 ± 14.26 min; P < 0.001), less estimated blood loss (5.42 ± 2.15 vs. 18.04 ± 1.62 ml; P < 0.001), and shorter median hospital stay (4.50 [3.00-5.00] vs. 6.00 [5.00-6.00] days; P < 0.001). The follow-up time was 8.04 ± 1.23 month for ERS group and 8.56 ± 1.57 month for ORS group. For aesthetic results, the median overall SCAR score in ERS was lower than that in ORS (2 [1-3] vs. 5 [4-5]; P < 0.001), and the subscales of "scar spread," "dyspigmentation," "track marks or suture marks," and "overall impression" were better. The median NRS score was higher (8 [7-8] vs. 6 [5-6]; P < 0.001) and length of scars was shorter (2.18 ± 0.30 vs. 8.75 ± 1.98 cm; P < 0.001) in ERS group than those in ORS group. The incidences of total complications and recurrence showed no significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic surgery can be a safe and effective option for pediatric VA in the limbs and trunk. It offers the advantages of improving aesthetic outcomes and reducing postoperative wound healing time.

Evaluation of stab avulsion versus subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in the management of chronic venous insufficiency resulting from incompetent leg perforators in primary varicose veins

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) resulting from incompetent perforators due to varicose veins is a common surgical condition present in at least 10% of the general population. This study was planned to evaluate stab avulsion vs subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in the management of incompetent perforators resulting in CVI. Forty patients of CVI resulting from primary varicose veins, falling into class 4 to 6 as per the clinical part of CEAP classification, along with Duplex assessment with proven incompetent perforators of lower extremity, irrespective of the status of saphenousfemoral or saphenous-popliteal junction status, were included in the study. All the patients were randomized into two groups, A and B, by a computer-generated draw. Group A patients underwent stab avulsion, and group B patients underwent SEPS for incompetent perforators. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) pain score using a visual analog scale at 1 hour, 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery, (ii) ulcer healing 1 month and 3 months after surgery, (iii) reversal of skin changes after 1 month and 3 months of surgery during follow-up, and (iv) wound-related complications. Early relief of symptoms in terms of ulcer healing, reversal of skin changes, and decreased incidence of wound complications was found to be better in the subfascial endoscopic perforators surgery (SEPS) group.

[Venous ulcus cruris-Surgical treatment]

Venous ulcus cruris is usually a chronic disease and an extreme burden for patients and their families. An analysis based on a random statutory health insurance sample of the AOK Hessen/KV Hessen estimated the number of affected people to be 400,000 in Germany. A venous ulcus cruris is always caused by an underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A spontaneous healing of this chronic disease without treatment is not to be expected. The conservative treatment includes an adequate compression treatment and exudate management. Surgical treatment is based on three pillars: an open surgical or endovenous approach to resolve the pathological venous reflux, uIcer surgery and in rare cases the various procedures of fascia surgery as well as defect coverage by a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and skin transplantation.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the management of incompetent perforators in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

Incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) contribute to venous pathology and are surgically treated based on hemodynamic measurement, size, and Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification. The objective of this study was to systematically review and synthesize current literature regarding surgical management of IPVs, including open ligation, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS), endovascular laser ablation (EVLA), ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (USGS), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

English-language literature published prior to November 2021 was reviewed from the PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases for primary literature reporting safety and efficacy outcomes in the surgical treatment of incompetent perforating veins. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for comparative studies and a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-comparative studies. A random effects model was used to pool effect sizes for efficacy outcomes of wound healing and freedom from wound recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 81 studies were included for qualitative synthesis representing 7010 patients with a mean age of 54.7 years. Overall evidence quality was low to intermediate, with moderate to high risk of bias in comparative studies. There was an 11.3% complication rate across interventions, with no reported incidences of stroke or air embolism. With regards to efficacy, pooled estimates for short-term (up to 1-year) wound healing were 99.9% for USGS (95% CI 0.81 - 1), 72.2% for ligation (95% CI 0.04, 0.94) and 96.0% for SEPS (95% CI 0.79 -0.99). For short-term freedom from wound recurrence, the pooled estimate for SEPS is 91.0% (95% CI 0.3 - 0.99).

CONCLUSION

Current evidence regarding treatment of incompetent perforator veins is limited due to low adherence to reporting standards in observational studies and lack of randomization, blinding, and allocation concealment in comparative studies. Additional comparative studies are needed to guide clinical decision-making regarding invasive treatment options for incompetent perforator veins.

[Modern concept about trophic venous ulcers]

Venous trophic ulcer is a common complication of chronic venous diseases that have a negative impact on the quality of life and result negative socio-economic consequences. There are three main theories of development of venous trophic ulcers. The criterion is visible trophic changes of skin (CEAP class C4). If correction of etiological factor of ulcer is impossible, local management is preferred. There are various wound coverings which can be used for the treatment of trophic ulcers. However, data on their effectiveness are sometimes unavailable. Therefore, it is necessary to systematize knowledge about modern measures and methods of exposure to trophic ulcers. The authors also discuss current understanding of pathophysiology, symptoms and diagnosis of venous trophic ulcers.

Why Venous Leg Ulcers Have Difficulty Healing: Overview on Pathophysiology, Clinical Consequences, and Treatment

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are one of the most common ulcers of the lower extremity. VLU affects many individuals worldwide, could pose a significant socioeconomic burden to the healthcare system, and has major psychological and physical impacts on the affected individual. VLU often occurs in association with post-thrombotic syndrome, advanced chronic venous disease, varicose veins, and venous hypertension. Several demographic, genetic, and environmental factors could trigger chronic venous disease with venous dilation, incompetent valves, venous reflux, and venous hypertension. Endothelial cell injury and changes in the glycocalyx, venous shear-stress, and adhesion molecules could be initiating events in VLU. Increased endothelial cell permeability and leukocyte infiltration, and increases in inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, iron deposition, and tissue metabolites also contribute to the pathogenesis of VLU. Treatment of VLU includes compression therapy and endovenous ablation to occlude the axial reflux. Other interventional approaches such as subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery and iliac venous stent have shown mixed results. With good wound care and compression therapy, VLU usually heals within 6 months. VLU healing involves orchestrated processes including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling and the contribution of different cells including leukocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes as well as the release of various biomolecules including transforming growth factor-β, cytokines, chemokines, MMPs, tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), elastase, urokinase plasminogen activator, fibrin, collagen, and albumin. Alterations in any of these physiological wound closure processes could delay VLU healing. Also, these histological and soluble biomarkers can be used for VLU diagnosis and assessment of its progression, responsiveness to healing, and prognosis. If not treated adequately, VLU could progress to non-healed or granulating VLU, causing physical immobility, reduced quality of life, cellulitis, severe infections, osteomyelitis, and neoplastic transformation. Recalcitrant VLU shows prolonged healing time with advanced age, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, colder temperature, preexisting venous disease, deep venous thrombosis, and larger wound area. VLU also has a high, 50-70% recurrence rate, likely due to noncompliance with compression therapy, failure of surgical procedures, incorrect ulcer diagnosis, progression of venous disease, and poorly understood pathophysiology. Understanding the molecular pathways underlying VLU has led to new lines of therapy with significant promise including biologics such as bilayer living skin construct, fibroblast derivatives, and extracellular matrices and non-biologic products such as poly-N-acetyl glucosamine, human placental membranes amnion/chorion allografts, ACT1 peptide inhibitor of connexin 43, sulodexide, growth factors, silver dressings, MMP inhibitors, and modulators of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the immune response and tissue metabolites. Preventive measures including compression therapy and venotonics could also reduce the risk of progression to chronic venous insufficiency and VLU in susceptible individuals.

Varicose vein on right tibia, post-traumatic varicose ulcer, and bone exposure: A case report

Varicose ulcer, a severe symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, may be refractory to treatment when accompanied by bone exposure. The lack of a blood supply and fresh granulation tissue on the exposed bone can result in a protracted healing time. A 59-year-old man suffered from varicose veins for 10 years, a varicose ulcer for 1 year, and an exposed right tibia for 40 days after using traditional Chinese medicinal plasters. The patient was treated with conventional high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein, segmental endovenous laser ablation, bone drilling, and a free skin graft. Patient outcome is satisfactory 2 years after discharge. We present a rare case of varicose ulcer in association with bone exposure. Tibia drilling with Kirschner wire was used to allow blood flow and provide nutrients for the formation of granulation tissue over the exposed bone and wound healing. Subsequently, free skin grafting was used during reconstructive surgery to replace skin loss on the right calf. Physicians encountering this rare condition in clinical practice should consider our treatment approach as a successful limb-preserving option for these patients.

Understanding factors influencing venous leg ulcer guideline implementation in Australian primary care

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the venous leg ulcer (VLU) management in primary health care settings located in Melbourne metropolitan and rural Victoria, Australia. We explored health professionals' perspective on the use of the Australian and New Zealand Venous Leg Ulcer Clinical Practice Guideline (VLU CPG) to identify the main challenges of VLU CPG uptake in clinical practice. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 general practitioners (GPs) and 20 practice nurses (PNs), including two Aboriginal health nurses. The Theoretical Domains Framework guided data collection and analysis. Data were analysed using a theory-driven analysis. We found a lack of awareness of the VLU CPGs, which resulted in suboptimal knowledge and limited adherence to evidence-based recommendations. Environmental factors, such as busy nature of clinical environment and absence of handheld Doppler ultrasound, as well as social and professional identity factors, such as reliance on previous experience and colleague's advice, influenced the uptake of the VLU CPGs in primary care. Findings of this study will inform development of interventions to increase the uptake of the VLU CPG in primary care settings and to reduce the evidence-practice gap in VLU management by health professionals.

Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) for treating venous leg ulcers

BACKGROUND

Venous leg ulcers are complex, costly, and their prevalence is expected to increase as populations age. Venous congestion is a possible cause of venous leg ulcers, which subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) attempts to address by removing the connection between deep and superficial veins (perforator veins). The effectiveness of SEPS in the treatment of venous leg ulcers, however, is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) for the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2018 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions that examined the use of SEPS independently or in combination with another intervention for the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four RCTs with a total of 322 participants. There were three different comparators: SEPS plus compression therapy versus compression therapy (two trials); SEPS versus the Linton procedure (a type of open surgery) (one trial); and SEPS plus saphenous surgery versus saphenous surgery (one trial). The age range of participants was 30 to 82, with an equal spread of male and female participants. All trials were conducted in hospital settings with varying durations of follow-up, from 18 months to 6 years. One trial included participants who had both healed and active ulcers, with the rest including only participants with active ulcers.There was the potential for reporting bias in all trials and performance bias and detection bias in three trials. Participants in the fourth trial received one of two surgical procedures, and this study was at low risk of performance bias and detection bias.SEPS + compression therapy versus compression therapy (2 studies; 208 participants)There may be an increase in the proportion of healed ulcers at 24 months in people treated with SEPS and compression therapy compared with compression therapy alone (risk ratio (RR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 1.33; 1 study; 196 participants); low-certainty evidence (downgraded twice, once for risk of bias and once for imprecision).It is uncertain whether SEPS reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence at 24 months (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.26 to 2.76; 2 studies; 208 participants); very low-certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for risk of bias).The included trials did not measure or report the following outcomes; time to complete healing, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), adverse events, pain, duration of hospitalisation, and district nursing care requirements.SEPS versus Linton approach (1 study; 39 participants)It is uncertain whether there is a difference in ulcer healing at 24 months between participants treated with SEPS and those treated with the Linton procedure (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.09; 1 study; 39 participants); very low-certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for risk of bias).It is also uncertain whether there is a difference in risk of recurrence at 60 months: (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.30; 1 study; 39 participants); very low-certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for risk of bias).The Linton procedure is possibly associated with more adverse events than SEPS (RR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.60; 1 study; 39 participants); very low-certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for risk of bias).The outcomes time to complete healing, HRQOL, pain, duration of hospitalisation and district nursing care requirements were either not measured, reported or data were not available for analysis.SEPS + saphenous surgery versus saphenous surgery (1 study; 75 participants)It is uncertain whether there is a difference in ulcer healing at 12 months between participants treated with SEPS and saphenous surgery versus those treated with saphenous surgery alone (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.43; 1 study; 22 participants); very low certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for high risk of reporting bias).It is also uncertain whether there is a difference in the risk of recurrence at 12 months: (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.91; 1 study; 75 participants); very low certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for high risk of reporting bias).Finally, we are uncertain whether there is an increase in adverse events in the SEPS group (RR 2.05, 95% CI 0.86 to 4.90; 1 study; 75 participants); very low certainty evidence (downgraded three times, twice for very serious imprecision and once for high risk of reporting bias).The outcomes time to complete healing, HRQOL, serious adverse events, pain, duration of hospitalisation, and district nursing care requirements were either not measured, reported or data were not available for analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The role of SEPS for the treatment of venous leg ulcers remains uncertain. Only low or very low-certainty evidence was available for inclusion. Due to small sample sizes and risk of bias in the included studies, we were unable to determine the potential benefits and harms of SEPS for this purpose. Only four studies met our inclusion criteria, three were very small, and one was poorly reported. Further high-quality studies addressing the use of SEPS in venous leg ulcer management are likely to change the conclusions of this review.