Optimum Methods of Limb Compression following Varicose Vein Surgery

Abstract

It has been shown that bandages rapidly lose their ability to compress the leg in ambulant patients. However, they are still widely used following varicose vein surgery. We have measured the compression produced by crepe bandages, elastocrepe bandages or graduated high compression stockings following varicose vein surgery. Pressures exerted by the bandages and stockings were measured during the first 24 h following operation. Initially the bandages exerted greater pressures than the stockings. However, the bandaging techniques lost 13-38% of their compression in the first hour and 29–48% in 24 h compared with 3-5% for the compression stocking. Further testing of the bandages on a standard wooden leg and a commercial fabric testing machine confirmed that the loss of compression in the bandaged groups was due to the poor elastic qualities of crepe and elastocrepe bandages. The stockings provided a more constant compression with maintained graduation compared with the bandages.