Twenty studies (n=1,031) were included in the review: one randomised trial (n=20) and 19 case series.
Ulcer healing (20 studies).
The ulcer healing rate ranged from 56 to 100% with SEPS. When the studies were pooled, ulcers healed in 88% (95% CI: 83, 92) of limbs. In a subset of 9 studies, 40% (95% CI: 27, 53) of ulcers healed within 30 days, 64% (95% CI: 53, 74) within 60 days, and 86% (95% CI: 77, 92) after 60 days.
Ulcer recurrence (18 studies).
Ulcer recurred in 16% (95% CI: 10, 24) of patients with CEAP class 5 disease at surgery, 16% (95% CI: 11, 21) of patients with CEAP class 6 disease, and 13% (95% CI: 9, 18) of patients with CEAP class 5 or 6 disease at surgery.
Adverse events.
Early adverse events included wound infection (6% of patients, 95% CI: 4, 8), haematoma (9% of patients, 95% CI: 6, 13), neuralgia (7% of patients, 95% CI: 6, 9) and deep vein thrombosis (1% of patients, 95% CI: 0.7, 3).