Varicose veins: optimum compression following sclerotherapy.
There is uncertainty regarding the most satisfactory technique of lower limb compression following sclerotherapy for varicose veins. We have compared a standard bandaging technique with a high pressure compression stocking in a randomised trial. Efficacy was judged on the success of injections, complications of the treatment and patient satisfaction. In the stockinged legs 144 of 156 injections were successful, compared with 117 of 147 in the bandaged group (P less than 0.001) (Chi squared). The incidence of superficial thrombophlebitis was also reduced in the stocking group. In addition, the stocking technique costs less in materials than conventional bandaging. We would recommend compression stockings for evaluation in sclerotherapy of varicose veins.
There is insufficient, high quality evidence to determine whether or not compression stockings are effective as the sole and initial treatment of varicose veins in people without healed or active venous ulceration, or whether any type of stocking is superior to any other type. Future research should consist of a large RCT of participants with trunk varices either wearing or not wearing compression stockings to assess the efficacy of this intervention. If compression stockings are found to be beneficial, further studies assessing which length and pressure is the most efficacious could then take place.