A Double-Blind Clinical Trial of the Efficacy and Tolerability of O-(β-Hydroxyethyl)-Rutosides and Compression Stockings in the Treatment of Leg Oedema and Symptoms following Surgery for Varicose Veins

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Abstract
Objective: To study the efficacy and tolerability of O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR) and compression stockings in the treatment of leg oedema and symptoms after varicose vein surgery. Design: A prospective double-blind, randomized, Parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Surgical department of a regional hospital. Patients: Forty patients undergoing venous surgery for varices associated with superficial insufficiency. Interventions: Saphenofemoral ligation, stripping of the entire long saphenous vein and removal of varicosities via 0.5 cm incisions. HR was given at 2 g/day (or Placebo) for 6 weeks starting on the first postoperative day. Twenty patients were randomized to each group. Main outcome measures: Leg volumes were measured by an automatic electronic-optic volumeter, prior to operation and again after 6 weeks and 3 months. Leg symptoms were recorded on days 1 and 10, weeks 3 and 6, and at 3 months. Results: There was no difference in leg volume between the two groups during the first 6 weeks when stockings Were worn, but the increase in oedema of the distal leg in the subsequent 6 weeks was significantly less in the HR group. Symptoms disappeared rapidly 3 weeks Postoperatively in both groups. Conclusions: Stockings are effective in controlling postoperative leg oedema and symptoms. The addition of HR can prevent subsequent oedema after removal of the stockings.

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