Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2022-5
Recovery and patient satisfaction following radiofrequency ablation and concomitant foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins with and without compression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial
The benefits of postoperative compression are not well established following radiofrequency ablation of the truncal vein and concomitant foam sclerotherapy.
Methods
A total of 104 patients were randomized: Postoperatively, 54 patients received no compression and 50 patients received class II thigh-high compression. The primary outcome for this study was the difference between means on postoperative pain scores over the first 10 days follow-up measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100 mm (prespecified delta 10 mm).
Results
The difference between means in no compression and compression group on postoperative pain scores over the 10 days follow-up was 2.1 mm (95% confidence interval −5.1–9.3 mm; p = 0.28) indicating non-inferiority. Patients in the no compression group were more satisfied with the visual appearance of the treated leg at 1 month (p = 0.003).
Conclusion
Over the first 10 postoperative days, no compression was non-inferior to compression on pain scores.
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