Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery: A safe and novel minimal invasive procedure in treating varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence

Aim: Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery(SEPS) in treating varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence. Materials and Methods: A case series was undertaken at our institute from the period January 2010 to January 2014 on 45 pregnant women. Pregnant women with failed conservative management for varicose veins were subjected to SEPS in 2nd trimester Perioperative parameters like operative time, intraoperative complications, post-operative complications, hospital stay, pain relief, ulcer healing duration and recurrence rate were studied. All the patients were reviewed and followed up for a minimum period of 3 years. Results: During the study period. total of 45 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. The median age of the patients was 26 years (range 22 years-30 years). The mean operative time was 90 +/- 10 minutes. The post-operative hospital stay was 1-2days. There were no intraoperative complications like bleeding or gas embolism. There were no post-operative complications like seroma or abscess, port site infection, deep vein thrombosis and gas embolism. Mean healing duration of ulcers following surgery was 7-8 weeks. No patient complained of temporary or permanent paraesthesia. Every patient was subjected to follow up for a minimum period of 3 years. 5(11.1%) patients with recurrence were documented in the study. Conclusion: SEPS is a safe, cost effective and novel minimal invasive procedure in treatment of varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence.