A longitudinal, quality of life study comparing four layer bandaging and superficial venous surgery for the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Abstract

To investigate and compare changes in quality of life of patients with venous ulcers undergoing treatment with either four layer bandaging or superficial venous surgery. Fifteen patients with venous ulcers were selected from two treatment groups--either four layer bandaging or superficial venous surgery. Each received a postal questionnaire at pretreatment, four weeks and twelve weeks post treatment. The EuroQol quality of life questionnaire was used along with a disease specific questionnaire devised by the author. Analysis of results was undertaken using validated statistical methods. Department of Vascular Surgery Leicester Royal Infirmary and Fosse Health (NHS) Trust (now the Leicestershire and Rutland Healthcare NHS Trust). To measure changes in quality of life of patients undergoing superficial venous surgery or four layer bandaging. Treatment over the twelve week period resulted in improvements in quality of life for both treatment groups (P = 0.001 for surgery and P = 0.019 for bandaging). No statistical differences in quality of life between the two treatment modalities were found at four and twelve weeks. There was evidence of an improvement in quality of life for both groups following twelve weeks of treatment. Improvements in pain and general quality of life were more marked in the bandaging group. Systems of care that offer rapid improvement to the patient's quality of life and wellbeing must be considered when planning effective leg ulcer management.