To Wear or not to Wear Compression Stockings after Varicose Vein Stripping: A Randomised Controlled Trial

AbstractObjectivesTo 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.DesignRandomised controlled trial.PatientsA total of 104 consecutive patients with primary complete incompetence of the GSV treated by inversion stripping of the GSV.MethodsPostoperatively 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.ResultsThe 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