Elastic compression for varicose vein surgery

In daily clinical practice the elastic compression before and after varicose vein surgery is not standardized and there are no clear indications on techniques or materials to use, especially for uncomplicated varicose disease (i.e., absence of ulcers, lymphoedema). Aim of the study was to evaluate the current use of elastic compression for varicose vein in different vein surgical settings in Italy, and to compare Italian practice to the customary approaches used in other European countries. Methods: A national survey exploring pre-, intra and postoperative practice in varicose vein surgery was conducted among surgical departments throughout Italy. Results: The survey, involving practice patterns in 112 Italian venous Surgical departments (26,792 venous operations), showed that a large number of survey respondents (57/112), considered use of elastic compression as, non indispensable" in the preparation for varicose vein surgery, but all of them applied compression in the immediate post operative management and at discharge. However, techniques and materials employed for postoperative elastic compression were generally based on personal opinions and thereby, were largely dissimilar among centres. Conclusion: The use of elastic compression for varicose vein surgery is still applied with disparate modalities according with the individual's experience. Efforts toward more uniformed and wide application of elastic compression need to be implemented. Standardization in the management for varicose venous surgery will reflect in better results also in terms of cost-effectiveness and patient care.