Prospective Randomised Study Of Full Length Compression Stocking And Anti-Embolism Stockings (TEDS) After Varicose Vein Surgery

INTERVENTION: Some 60 patients who are to have day case surgery on their varicose veins will be asked to take part in this study. At the time of their pre‐admission appointment they will be asked to take part and will be given the attached patient information sheet. Informed consent will be obtained after they have had time to consider the project. Written consent will be confirmed just before their operation when they see the surgeon who will be doing their operation. After entry to the study, stockings of each type will be randomised using computer generated numbers on a 1:1 basis so that 30 patients will receive anti‐embolism stockings and 30 will receive the new style. Patients will be asked to complete a visual analogue scale that measures the discomfort they feel in their legs. Patients will be asked to complete a similar scale for subjective measurement of bruising to their leg. Further information will be collected about stocking slippage and the use of the stockings. Patients will be asked to return to the day case unit two weeks after surgery for a post operative check and for collection of their data sheets and comments. This visit is in addition to their normal appointment at 6 weeks. Statistical analysis Categorical data such as slippage will be assessed using the Chi‐square test. Variable data such as bruising and pain will be assessed using the Mann Whitney U test for non‐parametric data. Sample Size calculation From personal data it is expected that 55% of patients who wear the anti‐embolism stocking will experience slippage during their postoperative recovery. Data from Scholl who supply the new style of stocking suggest that a maximum of 20% of patients will experience slippage with their product. For an alpha error of 0.05 and Beta error of 0.2, 50 patients would need to be recruited. There may be a 20% non‐compliance rate with follow up so a sample size of 60 has been set. Some 140 people have day case varicose vein surgery each year so recruitment should be CONDITION: Surgery: Varicose veins ; Surgery ; Varicose veins PRIMARY OUTCOME: We are trying to see if we can improve the care received after the varicose vein surgery we currently offer. We want to know if we can reduce the amount of discomfort the patients get following operation, if we can reduce the amount of pain and bruising, and if we can get the patient back to normal activity earlier than at the moment. We would also like to know if a new type of stocking is as good or better than the one we currently offer, without compromising the standard of care the patients receive. It may also be more cost effective for the NHS. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: Men and women requesting treatment for bilateral varicose veins who present to the vascular clinics at Queen's Medical Centre.