Is Compression Therapy by Elastic Stockings Necessary after Endovenous Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins?

Abstract

In Japanese guideline for endovenous treatment of varicose vein patients, compression therapy by elastic stockings (ES) are recommended after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). A few randomized controlled trial (RCT) reported that wearing ES reduced significantly postprocedural pain at 1 week after EVLA, although the level of evidences were weak and the effect of ES on preventing postprocedural deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was unclear. Currently, we suggest that compression therapy by ES is necessary after EVLA. Further RCT in Japan is warranted to clarify whether wearing ES prevent DVT after EVLA.