Objective: To investigate the optimal duration of compression therapy after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) using a 1470-nm diode dual-ring radial laser fiber for great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Methods: Patients undergoing EVLA of GSV for varicose vein disease were divided into two groups based on the duration of subsequent compression after the procedure: short duration group (S group; 0-2 days) and long duration group (L group; 1-4 weeks). Patient-reported outcomes (pain and quality of life [QOL]) were set as the primary outcomes, and objective findings (venous clinical severity score [VCSS], leg circumference, and duplex ultrasound [DUS] findings) were set as the secondary outcomes. A follow-up examination was performed at 1 week and 1 and 6 months. Each variable between the groups was compared after a propensity score matching using the age, sex, Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological (CEAP) clinical class, job type, and target variable as covariates. A per-protocol analysis was performed. Results: The S and L groups included 98 and 99 patients, respectively. A propensity score matching analysis showed no significant differences between the groups in any outcomes at any follow-up intervals. Conclusion: Long-term compression showed little benefit; therefore, the prescription of compression stocking beyond 2 days after EVLA is unnecessary.
Keywords: compression therapy; elastic stocking; endovenous laser ablation; high-wavelength laser.
© 2021 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Vascular Diseases.