Study of endoscope in treatment of chronic venous ulcer in lower limb

[Objective] To evaluate the role of endoscope in the treatment of chronic venous ulcer in the lower limb. [Methods] Between May.2000 and Sep.2003, 26 patients(28 limbs) with surperficial venous reflux and incompetent perforator underwent minimally invasive surgery. Twenty -eight limbs had active ulcers. Fourteen limbs had severe deep venous refluxapp through duplex ultrasonography and deep venography (anterograde). [Results] The surgery obviously improved venous disability, varicose vein disappeared in all patients who had undergone minimally invasive operation; ulcers healed shortly in twenty-eight limbs. There had been no ulcer recurrences and recurrent varicoses during follow-up (mean 30.5 months, range 13~54 months). [Conclusions] Endoscopic operation is safe and effective as well as less harm and complication in the treatment of chronic venous ulcer in the lower limb. More minimally invasive operation and better result are expected when combined with minimally invasive operation of the varicose and external valvuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein with angioscopy.