Compression Stockings after Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To determine if the duration of wearing compression stockings after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) has influence on pain and quality of life. Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Between December 2006 and February 2008, 109 consecutive patients with EVLA of the GSV were analyzed. Deep vein insufficiency, ulceration, more than one insufficient vein in one leg, and use of anticoagulants were exclusion criteria. Group A used compression stocking for 48 hours after therapy, group B for 7 days. Pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and quality of life (SF-36) were analyzed 48 hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks after therapy. Three months after treatment, duplex ultrasound imaging was performed to assess occlusion rates. Results: Both groups (group A, n = 37; group B, n = 32) where comparable at baseline. After 1 week, there was a significant difference in pain (VAS score 3.7 [+/- 2.1] vs. 2.0 [+/- 1.1], p <= .001), and physical dysfunction (group A, 85.1 [+/- 11.2] vs. group B, 95.7 [+/- 10.1]; p < .001) as well as vitality (group A, 75 [+/- 13.0] vs. group B, 83.7 [+/- 13.4]; p = .03), all in favor of group B, which disappeared after 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, no significant differences in all endpoints were present. Duplex ultrasound imaging revealed complete GSV occlusion in all patients, while no cases of deep venous thrombosis had developed. Conclusions: Prescribing compression stockings for longer than 2 days after endovenous GSV ablation (without simultaneous phlebectomies) leads to reduced pain and improved physical function during the first week after treatment. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society for Vascular Surgery.