COMPRESSION THERAPY AFTER OPEN SURGERY OF VARICOSE VEINS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, the duration of compression therapy after open phlebectomy for varicose veins of the lower
extremities has not yet been finally determined. There is no data on the need for prolonged use of compression hosiery for
more than 1 week after open stripping or miniflebectomy to increase the treatment effect, as there is none on the
uselessness of prolonged compression.
Purpose of the study. To conduct a study to determine the optimal duration of compression therapy after open
phlebectomy.
Research Methods. To conduct the study, a scientific hypothesis was formed - wearing compression hosiery before
resorption of hematomas and normalizing the color of the skin after an open phlebectomy is sufficient in terms for the
frequency of local complications, swelling of the legs and disability. Two groups of patients were randomized. The first group
of patients, or comparison group, consisted of patients whose compression therapy after open phlebectomy was 2 months.
The second group of patients, or the study group, consisted of patients with a term of compression therapy before resorption
of hematomas and normalization of skin color after open phlebectomy of the lower extremities. Criteria for inclusion in the
study: C2 - C3 class according to CEAP chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities; severe, multiple varicose
veins of the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) and their branches; previously transferred
thrombophlebitis of GSV / SSV; crossectomy and stripping of GSV / SSV.
Results. The term of compression therapy in the 1st group of patients was 62.486 days (95% CI 62.099-62.873), in the
2nd group of patients 31.790 days (95% CI 31.559-32.021) (Log Rank = 5.005; p = 0.025). The period of disability in the 1st
group of patients was 16.528 days (95% CI 16.169-16.888), in the 2nd group of patients 16.760 days (95% CI 16.508-
17.012) (Log Rank = 1.083; p = 0.298).
Conclusions. Compression therapy after an open phlebectomy is enough to carry out during the resorption of
subcutaneous hematomas, the visual disappearance of bruises and the normalization of the color of the skin for a period of,
on average, up to 1 month.