To assess the need to wear a compression stocking after regular inversion stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV) from groin to the level of the knee.

Randomised controlled trial.

104 consecutive patients with primary complete incompetence of the GSV listed for regular inversion stripping of the GSV were randomised by computer to wear a compression stocking (intervention group) or no compression stocking (control group) for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was leg oedema as assessed by leg volume. Secondary endpoints were pain, postoperative complications, and return to work.

Leg volume decreased in the control group (n = 52) from 3657 ml (SD: 687) to 3640 ml (SD: 540) 4 weeks postoperatively (non-significant, p = 0.82). In the intervention group the volume decreased from 3629 ml (SD: 540) to 3534 ml (SD: 543; p < 0.01). On average, patients in the control group resumed work 3.9 days earlier (p = 0.02). The difference in leg volume between both groups was not significant (p = 0.18). No differences were observed in the number and type of postoperative complications (p = 0.26), and pain scores (p = 0.51).

An elastic compression stocking has no additional benefit in postoperative care after inversion stripping of the great saphenous vein with respect to oedema control, pain, complications, and resumption of work.