Compression versus no compression after endovenous radiofrequency ablation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare compression with no-compression, after radiofrequency endothermal ablation of a truncal varicose vein. Methods Databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Cochran Library, and Web of Science, were independently searched by two researchers for relevant literature, preliminary screening was performed, and the full text was read to select studies that met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Results A total of four randomized controlled trials were included and a total of 552 patients were involved. Among them, 273 patients were in the compression group and 279 in the no-compression group. Meta-analysis results showed that the pain using the 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale was lower in the compression group than the pain in the no-compression group (MD = −4.22, 95% CI = −7.95 − −0.49, p = 0.03). No significant differences in terms of occlusion rate (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.96–1.02, p = 0.55), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (MD = 0.46, 95% CI = −0.80–1.73, p = 0.47), and complications (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.61–2.94, p = 0.47) were observed between groups. Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that compression therapy reduced post-operative pain compared to the no-compression group. However, no additional advantages were observed in terms of occlusion rates, quality of life scores and complications.