Post-saphenous vein ablation compression therapy practices: a study among members of the Brazilian society of angiology and vascular surgery.

Background: Despite considerable study, there is still no consensus defining the ideal compression regimen after ablation of the great saphenous vein with radio frequency or endolaser. Objective: To identify the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery members' current compression therapy practices after ablation of the great saphenous vein. Methods: A multiple-choice electronic questionnaire on post-endovenous ablation compression was developed and made available on-line to Brazilian vascular surgeons for 60 days. Results: A total of 430 responses were received, 362 (84.2%) of which were considered valid. Laser ablation was the predominant technique (73.5%) and the majority of procedures were conducted in hospitals or day hospitals. Ninety-four percent of the surgeons treated associated varicose veins in the same procedure, for which phlebectomy was the technique most employed. After ablation of the great saphenous vein, 99% of the surgeons applied compression immediately; 34.3% used 35 mmHg compression stockings, 26% preferred crepe bandages, and 12.4% opted for 20-30 mmHg compression stockings, with an average duration of 2.79 (±2 days). After this period, 88.4% used additional compression, with 20-30 mmHg compression stockings (80.9%) and an average duration of 39.3 (±24.0 days). Conclusions: Compression therapy is widely employed after thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein. Practice immediately after ablation was divergent, but after the initial phase, the majority of surgeons prescribed additional compression, predominantly using 20-30 mmHg stockings.