Intermittent pump versus compression bandages in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to compare healing rate an d leg swelling with an intermittent compression pump versus compression ban dages in the treatment of venous leg ulcers, and to also compare patient co mpliance and satisfaction with the two techniques. Methods: A randomized cross-over study of patients attending an outpatient wound clinic (n = 16) was undertaken. A regular monthly follow-up with meas urement of ulcer size and leg volume was carried out, as well as completion of a questionnaire. Results: Assessment was possible in II of the 16 patients. There was no sig nificant difference between treatment types with regards to ulcer healing r ates or control of leg oedema. The survey revealed that patients found the pump easier and more comfortable to use, with a trend towards increased com pliance. Conclusions: Although the present study was too small for generalizable con clusions, compression pumps and bandages are comparable in efficacy for the healing of venous leg ulcers. The compression pump is reported as being ea sier and more comfortable to use than bandages.