Abstract
Graded support stockings are widely used in the prophylaxis of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For many years (following the results of early trials) one brand has dominated the market. We now describe an assessment of an alternative brand.
Fifty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were provided with graduated support stockings postoperatively for the prophylaxis of DVT. Two different makes of stockings were used, one on each leg; the leg randomly determined by an odd or even year of birth. Data was collected from each patient in order to determine patient compliance. Patients experienced no significant difference in comfort between the two makes, although, on balance, product ‘A’ was found to be more comfortable. No pressure sores were caused by either stocking type and there was no clinical evidence of DVT in any of the 50 patients. However, there were two cases of pulmonary embolus.
Samples of both stockings were tested in a materials testing laboratory, to determine the pressure gradients which they could be expected to apply in normal use, and the results of these tests suggest that there are major differences in the performance of the products concerned.
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