title: Effects of eccentric compression by a crossed-tape technique after endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein: a randomized study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of eccentric compression applied by a new crossed-tape technique on procedure-related pain occurrence after endovenous laser ablation (ELA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).
  
  
  METHODS
  From April 2005 to June 2006, 200 consecutive ELA procedures were randomized to receive (group A: 100) or not (group B: 100) an eccentric compression applied in the medial aspect of the thigh. Patients were scheduled for a seven-day examination to assess the level of pain experienced. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale giving a numerical grade from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain ever).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intensity of postoperative pain was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in the eccentric compression group as compared with the non-compression one.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique of eccentric compression greatly reduces the intensity of postoperative pain after ELA of the GSV.
authors.affiliation: Hesperia Hospital - CardioVascular Surgery, Via Arquà 80/A, Modena 41100, Italy. lugli@chirurgiavascolaremodena.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lugli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cogo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerzoni
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petti
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Maleti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000503:physiopathology*; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D013848:Thigh; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000628:therapy*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*