Compression therapy following endovenous thermal ablation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A multicentre randomised controlled trial of compression therapy following endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins
IRAS ID
158366
Contact name
Alun H Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Varicose veins are common and are known to affect a third of the population. It can lead to complications and has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Over the past decade, new minimally invasive techniques have been introduced. These are becoming increasingly popular as they are associated with less complications and a more rapid return to normal activities. However, there is still uncertainty as to the role of compression therapy in the management of varicose veins, especially post intervention using these newer methods. The American Venous Forum recommends the use of compression stockings to reduce the risk of clot (haematoma) formation, pain and swelling. The NICE Guidelines have recommended further research into the use of compression stockings as post-procedure intervention.
This study will be looking at the effect of compression in patients having minimally invasive treatment using heat for varicose veins. Patients will be recruited from three different sites and randomised to either the compression group (group A) or the no compression group (group B). The pain scores, compliance, quality of life scores, occlusion rate at 6 months as well as the cost effectiveness of each intervention will be assessed.
Summary of Results
Following treatment of varicose veins, it is unclear if having or not having compression stockings makes a difference. Therefore, this study was set up to find out if there is a difference.
Patients with varicose veins underwent treatment using one of the 'key hole' methods. Afterwards, they were randomly selected to receive either compression stockings for 7 days or no compression stockings. The main outcome measure was looking at the amount of pain after 10 days. Patients were seen again after 2 weeks and 6 months.
In total, 206 patients were enrolled, around half of them to the compression stockings group. The average age was 50 years and around half of the patients were males.
The average pain score in the compression group was significantly lower compared to those not having compression stockings. Those having additional treatment for their varicose veins also had less pain. Both sets of patients had improved quality of life and returned to normal activities after a similar amount of time. There was no difference in the success of the varicose veins treatment at 6 months.
This study therefore shows that wearing compression stockings is helpful, especially in the first few days after varicose veins treatment.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0181
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion