Abstract
This study was conducted in a district general hospital to compare the effect of three types of bandages applied following standard varicose vein operations. The three bandages studied were Crepe (R) bandage, Tensopress (R), and Panelast (R). The study included 60 patients and took place over a period of a year. All patients coming for a varicose veins operation were included in the study, including those with recurrent varicose veins. Patients were assessed before and after the operation and changes were recorded. The study showed that 91% of patients benefited from the operation, and their symptoms improved significantly. However, there was no significant difference among the different bandage groups with respect to the overall improvement in symptoms (p= 0.004) and cosmetic appearance (p = 0.005). Tensopress showed significant control of bleeding than did the other two bandages (p > 0.05), and Crepe bandage showed improvement in leg swelling (p > 0.05) and was more comfortable than the other two bandages (p = 0.1). There were no mortalities, and 91% of patients were treated satisfactorily as day surgery.