A randomised controlled trial comparing compression therapy after radiofrequency ablation for primary great saphenous vein incompetence.

BACKGROUND: Optimal duration of leg compression after venous ablation remains unclear. This randomised controlled trial evaluates 4 h compared to 72 h of leg compression. METHODS: Patients were randomised to 4 or 72 h of leg compression after radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein. Primary outcome was change in leg volume after 14 days. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, complications and time to full recovery. RESULTS: Patients wearing compression stockings for 4 h after treatment had a 64 mL (95%CI: - 23 to + 193) reduction in leg volume, compared to an increase of 21 mL (95%CI: 8.33-34.5) in patients wearing compression stockings for 72 h (P = 0.12). Patients wearing compression stockings for 4 h experienced fewer complications (16% vs. 33%, P = 0.05). Postoperative pain and time to full recovery did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Wearing compression stockings for 4 h is non-inferior in preventing leg oedema as wearing compression stockings for 72 h.

To wear or not to wear compression stockings after varicose vein stripping: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the need to wear compression stockings for 4 weeks after inversion stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV) from the groin to the level of the knee. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. PATIENTS: A total of 104 consecutive patients with primary complete incompetence of the GSV treated by inversion stripping of the GSV. METHODS: Postoperatively treated limbs underwent elastic bandaging for 3 days. Volunteers were randomised to wear a compression stocking for additional 4 weeks (intervention group) or no compression stocking (control group). The primary outcome was limb oedema as assessed by photoelectric leg volume measurement. Secondary outcome measures were pain scores, postoperative complications and return to full work. RESULTS: The control leg volume was 3657ml (standard deviation, SD 687) preoperatively and 3640ml (SD 540) 4 weeks postoperatively (non significant, N.S.). The stocking leg volume was 3629ml (SD 540) preoperatively, falling to 3534ml (SD 543) (P<0.01) 4 weeks postoperatively. The difference in leg volume between both the groups was not statistically significant. Patients in the control group resumed work earlier (control 11 days, stocking 15 days, P=0.02, Mann-Whitney test). No difference was observed in the number and type of complication and in pain scores during the 4-week follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Wearing an elastic compression stocking has no additional benefit following elastic bandaging for 3 days in postoperative care after stripping of the great saphenous vein as assessed by control of limb oedema, pain, complications and return to work.