There is no benefit from 6 weeks' postoperative compression after varicosevein surgery: A prospective randomised trial

Background: It is often recommended that patients should wear compression s tockings for 6 weeks after varicose vein surgery. The aim of this trial was to ascertain whether this is necessary. Method: Following a standardised operation for primary varicose veins, pati ents were randomised to receive postoperative compression with either Panel ast Acryl adhesive short-stretch bandages for 1 week or crepe bandages for 16 h followed by 6 weeks wearing of TED antiembolic stockings. Symptoms wer e quantified by questionnaire and clinical assessment at 1 and 6 weeks. Results: Postoperatively there was significantly more bleeding in the crepe /TED group and a larger area of bruising at the end of the first week (117. 5 cm(2) vs. 96 cm(2), p<0.02; Mann-Whitney U-test). However, this did not c orrelate with any difference in discomfort or activity between the two grou ps. There was no statistical difference in the symptoms reported after the first week. Twenty-seven patients out of 52 randomised to TEDs discarded th em before the end of the 6 weeks. Both groups returned to full activities a nd work after similar periods (Panelast 18.5 days vs, crepe 20.0 days). Conclusion: There was no benefit in wearing compression for more than 1 wee k. Wearing Panelast bandages for the first week did significantly reduce pa in on the first postoperative day, bleeding and the extent of bruising.