Combination of graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression is better in preventing deep venous thrombosis than graduated compression stockings alone for patients following gynecological surgery: a meta-analysis

BackgroundDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common in patients undergoing gynecological surgery. We aimed to investigate the preventive efficacy in DVT of graduated compression stockings (GCS) alone and in combination with intermittent pneumatic compression (GCS + IPC) after gynecological surgery.MethodsIn November 2022, studies on the use of GCS and GCS + IPC for the prevention of DVT after gynecological surgery were searched in seven databases. After literature screening and data extraction based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, preventive efficacies, including the risk of DVT and anticoagulation function, of GCS and GCS + IPC were compared. Finally, sensitivity analysis and Egger's test were performed to evaluate the stability of the meta-analysis.ResultsSix publications with moderate quality were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that GCS + IPC significantly reduced DVT risk (P = 0.0002) and D-dimer levels (P = 0.0005) compared with GCS alone. Sensitivity analysis and Egger's test showed that the combined results of this study were stable and reliable.ConclusionsCompared with GCS alone, GCS + IPS showed a higher preventive efficacy against DVT in patients following gynecological surgery. GCS + IPC could significantly reduce the risk of DVT than GCS alone.GCS + IPC could significantly reduce the D-dimer than GCS alone.The involved studies were all RCTs and had no significant publication bias.Sensitivity analysis indicated that the combined results were stable.