[Compressive therapy after varicose vein surgery: results of a French national inquiry]

A survey on postoperative compression after varicose vein surgery was undertaken in 2001 among surgeons of the French-speaking Vascular Surgery Society as well as non-members with a heavy caseload in varicose vein surgery. The aims of the study were to 1) identify the various medical devices and protocols used postoperatively, 2) estimate the frequency and duration of use, and 3) identify the surgeon's rationale for prescribing postoperative compression. The first part of the inquiry was devoted to surgical procedures and has been previously published (J Mal Vasc 2003; 28: 277-86).

A questionnaire with 11 items for postoperative treatments and a patient form was mailed to 675 surgeons.

The response rate was 41.5% (280 surgeons). Results were assessed by a scientific committee. Surgeons were classified into different groups according to their membership in the French-speaking Vascular Surgery Society or not, the type of practice (private, public hospital, mixed), and caseload. Compression was widely used (97.1%). It was the only postoperative treatment for 25.2% of the surgeons, was associated with anticoagulant treatment for 38.8% or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs for 11.2%. Prescription was evidence-based for only 11.6%. Compression therapy was mainly started postoperatively (93.2%). Elastic bandages (long stretch) were used by 87%. Duration of bandage therapy was variable (less than 8 days for 38.8%, 8-15 days for 24.5%). After bandage therapy, medical compression stockings (above knee 74.7%) or French class II (77.9%) were used. Compression stockings were prescribed for 8-15 days or 15-30 days by 12.7% and 84.6% of the surgeons respectively. Prolonged postoperative treatment was not common (28%) and was prescribed for patients with trophic changes.