Over recent years surgeons have adopted an increasingly scientific approach to determine the best treatment for their patients. For venous disease there have been trials comparing surgery with sclerotherapy,1−3 the use of stockings to relieve symptoms,4 therapeutic benefits of drugs5,6 and dressings for ulcer healing.7,8
The term ‘trial’ is often used in reporting medical research, but frequently it is used inappropriately. This paper gives an overview of the considerations necessary to run a meaningful clinical trial and some of the common pitfalls in trials of venous disease.
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