Optimal Duration of Compression Stocking Therapy after Endovenous Laser Ablation Using a 1470-nm Diode Dual-Ring Radial Laser Fiber for Great Saphenous Vein Insufficiency.

To investigate the optimal duration of compression therapy after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) using a 1470-nm diode dual-ring radial laser fiber for great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Patients undergoing EVLA of GSV for varicose vein disease were divided into two groups based on the duration of subsequent compression after the procedure: short duration group (S group; 0-2 days) and long duration group (L group; 1-4 weeks). Patient-reported outcomes (pain and quality of life [QOL]) were set as the primary outcomes, and objective findings (venous clinical severity score [VCSS], leg circumference, and duplex ultrasound [DUS] findings) were set as the secondary outcomes. A follow-up examination was performed at 1 week and 1 and 6 months. Each variable between the groups was compared after a propensity score matching using the age, sex, Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological (CEAP) clinical class, job type, and target variable as covariates. A per-protocol analysis was performed. The S and L groups included 98 and 99 patients, respectively. A propensity score matching analysis showed no significant differences between the groups in any outcomes at any follow-up intervals. Long-term compression showed little benefit; therefore, the prescription of compression stocking beyond 2 days after EVLA is unnecessary.