Effect of Endoscopic Versus Open Saphenous Vein Harvesting Technique on
Leg Wound Complications
Abstract
Background: EVH has become prevalent in recent years due to its reduced
morbidity and increased patient satisfaction. We designed and carried
out a prospective study of patients undergoing CABG to compare outcomes
of open versus endoscopic harvesting technique for great saphenous vein.
Two groups of patients who underwent elective Coronary artery bypass
grafting at our hospitals between January 2018 and October 2020 were
included. Endoscopic vein harvesting group (50 patients) was performed
endoscopic technique compared with Open Vein Harvesting group (50
patients) was performed open surgical incision for harvesting. Both
groups were demographically similar and received identical management.
Leg wound was evaluated at discharge, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks for evidence
of complications. Early outcomes were compared included, infection,
gaped wound and re-suture, pain, satisfied cosmetically and
mobilization. Results: Endoscopic vein harvesting group had increased
harvest time and decreased incision closure time when compared with Open
Vein Harvesting. The average hospitalization time was 6.5 ± 2.2 days for
Endoscopic vein harvesting group and 9.2 ± 2.9 days for Open Vein
Harvesting group. In Endoscopic vein harvesting group, no significant
hematomas were observed. In Open Vein Harvesting group, hematomas were
detected in 2 patients and were surgically evacuated. In Endoscopic vein
harvesting group, edema occurred less frequently. Infection of the
incision location did not occur in Endoscopic vein harvesting group. Leg
wound complications were significantly reduced in Endoscopic vein
harvesting group in comparison with Open Vein Harvesting group.
Conclusions: Endoscopic vein harvesting decreases leg wound
complications and increases patient’s satisfaction cosmetically.