OBJECTIVE: TED antiembolism stockings, Panelast self-adhesive elasticated bandages and Medi Plus class 11 stockings are three different dressings commonly used to provide compression following surgery for varicose veins. The aim of this study was to determine which of the three dressings was most acceptable to patients. DESIGN: Forty-two patients undergoing bilateral varicose vein surgery were randomised to receive a different dressing on each leg in order to determine if a particular type of dressing was superior in its ability to reduce postoperative pain and provide adequate comfort without reducing mobility. The dressings were worn for 1 week, during which daily pain scores were recorded for each leg followed by a simple questionnaire to determine comfort and mobility. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction of mobility experienced by patients wearing Panelast bandages compared with the other two dressings (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant differences between the dressings with regard to the degree of postoperative pain experienced, and in all other respects the dressings were equally tolerated. CONCLUSION: The choice of compression dressings used for varicose vein surgery should depend primarily on the personal preference of surgeons as well as financial considerations.

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