Compression therapy after endovenous laser ablation: Patient compliance and impact on clinical outcome

• Published in: Phlebology 2024-08, Vol.39 (7), p.477-487
• Main Authors: Dietrich, Carmen K, Stucker, Markus, Hartmann, Karsten, Hirsch, Tobias, Mattausch, Thomas, Wenzel, Hans-Christian, Zollmann, Philipp, Veltman, Jürgen, Weiler, Thomas K, Lengfellner, Guido, Müller, Lars, Pannier, Felizitas, Cussigh, Christiane, Uhlmann, Lorenz, Müller-Christmann, Christine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0268-3555; 1758-1125
• DOI: 10.1177/02683555241249222

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-interventional compression therapy on clinical outcomes after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent saphenous veins. Methods This prospective, controlled, multicenter study in Germany involved 493 varicose vein patients followed-up for 6 months. Results Compression therapy significantly reduced symptoms compared to no compression (VCSS: 1.4 ± 1.6 vs 2.2 ± 2.2; p = .007). Post-interventional therapy duration of up to 14 days was found to be most effective for improving patient-reported disease severity (p < .001) and higher quality of life (p = .001). Patient compliance was high (82%), and non-compliance was linked to worse disease severity (VCSS 1.4 ± 1.5 vs 2.1 ± 2.3, p = .009). Conclusion In conclusion, post-interventional compression therapy is beneficial by reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. High patient compliance with the therapy is observed, and non-compliance is associated with worse disease severity.