title: A randomised controlled trial comparing compression therapy after radiofrequency ablation for primary great saphenous vein incompetence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Optimal duration of leg compression after venous ablation remains unclear. This randomised controlled trial evaluates 4 h compared to 72 h of leg compression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were randomised to 4 or 72 h of leg compression after radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein. Primary outcome was change in leg volume after 14 days. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, complications and time to full recovery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients wearing compression stockings for 4 h after treatment had a 64 mL (95%CI: - 23 to + 193) reduction in leg volume, compared to an increase of 21 mL (95%CI: 8.33-34.5) in patients wearing compression stockings for 72 h (P = 0.12). Patients wearing compression stockings for 4 h experienced fewer complications (16% vs. 33%, P = 0.05). Postoperative pain and time to full recovery did not differ significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Wearing compression stockings for 4 h is non-inferior in preventing leg oedema as wearing compression stockings for 72 h.
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Krasznai
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands timsigterman@gmail.com.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Sigterman
authors.affiliation: Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Troquay
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Houtermans-Auckel
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mgj
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Snoeijs
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Rensma
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Cjjm
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sikkink
authors.affiliation: Atrium MC Parkstad, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Bouwman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Compressive therapy; endovenous therapy; radiofrequency ablation