Compression stockings after SURGERY absolutely necessary

British researchers are of the opinion that, after many operations, no compression stockings are needed to prevent thrombosis. They describe in the journal the British Medical Journal that anticoagulant alone is just as effective.

Patients were divided according to operations randomly in two groups: 937 received during your hospital stay anticoagulant medication (Heparin), while in 921 in addition, wear compression stockings. Within 90 days after the SURGERY, it came in 1.7 percent of patients who had received Heparin, deep vein thrombosis, a larger blood clot in the legs. For those who have had in addition worn compression stockings, it was 1.4 percent.

If clots with the blood flow in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism. This occurred together with a venous thrombosis in two patients who had only received the anticoagulant (0.2 percent ), and in the case of a patient who had in addition worn the stockings (0.1 percent ). Other factors such as quality of life, adverse effects, or death, only minor or no differences between the groups were found to be cases.

The researchers come to the conclusion: "These results suggest that compression stockings in the majority of patients who undergo surgery may be required. The current guidelines, which are based on historical data, should be revised."

ZOU