title: Foot-sparing postoperative compression bandage: a possible alternative to the traditional bandage.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To verify whether a foot-sparing bandage is effective for patients who have undergone varicose vein surgery, being in the C2 class, having a normal deep venous system and actively walking.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety consecutive lower legs meeting the inclusion criteria underwent treatment with an inelastic foot-sparing bandage. Patient's satisfaction, efficacy and local effects were systematically documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bandage was well tolerated and highly effective. Four of the first 20 cases experienced a slight morning oedema of the foot, which disappeared while walking. Thus, in the remaining cases we covered the foot and distal limb with a custom short tubular-shaped 'sock' providing 10 mmHg compression, only during the first 24 hours.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The foot-sparing inelastic bandage is effective, cheap and tolerated by well-selected patients who have undergone varicose vein surgery.
authors.affiliation: Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Area di Geriatria, Centro per la Salute dell'Anziano, Rome, Italy. varicci@tiscali.it
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moro
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trillo
authors.forename: R Antonelli
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Incalzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058128:Compression Bandages; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012384:Rome; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult