[Elastic compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis - is there any evidence?]

Elastic compression stockings (ECS) as a physical tool for prevention of deep vein thrombosis were introduced in the 70 s and 80 s of the last century and they are still used today. Two recent studies have arisen a discussion regarding the benefit of the combined used of ECS and pharmaceutical prophylaxis over pharmaceutical prophylaxis alone. One study on patients receiving total hip replacement and one study on patients suffering from stroke did not show an advantage of the combination. In addition the German, the American and the British Guidelines do not give precise and mandatory indication for the use of ECS in addition to pharmaceutical prophylaxis. They describe the lack of adequate data and the problems in patient care using ECS. Thus, due to the lack of evidence and the possibility of adverse events a routine use of ECS is not justified. The only generally accepted indication for ECS is in patients with moderate and high risk for venous thromboembolism when pharmaceutical prophylaxis is not possible.