Lauma Medical

Elastic bandages for surgery: how to choose

Every surgery carries many risks beyond the primary issue that necessitated the operative treatment. These include anesthesia complications and challenges during rehabilitation.

However, one factor often surprises patients, and this is a risk of blood clot formation after surgery.

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This occurs because a body, in response to damage, actively produces substances that contribute to blood clotting. Additionally, during surgery, blood flow is significantly reduced compared to normal, exacerbating the problem.

As a result, even otherwise healthy patients face the risk of development of varicose veins, as the lower limbs are the first to suffer from impaired blood flow and increased blood viscosity. This can also lead to large clots detaching and blocking major blood vessels, causing serious complications.

Hospital compression knitwear for surgery

Elastic knitwear, such as stockings or bandages, remain the most effective method for preventing blood clots during and after surgery.

It is recommended not to skimp and to choose exactly stockings for surgery, because they are much easier to manipulate, while donning is faster. This is crucial also during rehabilitation. Moreover, compression stockings are not very expensive.

Anti-embolism compression knitwear must be correctly selected for its maximum efficiency. The most important factors are size and compression class

Purpose of compression stockings

Stockings for surgery belong to a special category called hospital compression knitwear. Accordingly, they must be prescribed by a doctor for special indications, and they are not used in everyday life.

Here are some indications for their use:

1

To prevent thrombosis before and during surgery, and also in the rehabilitation period.
2

During and after childbirth, including a caesarean section.
3

While in intensive care unit or during long bed rest.
4

As therapy after venous surgeries.

Each case requires control of a doctor and purpose of different compression products

Classes of compression knitwear

While everything is obvious with regard to the size, another factor is the compression class of anti-embolism knitwear. Such classes are distinguished:

Class A

Primarily prescribed during childbirth and the initial postpartum days, or for short surgeries (especially if a patient is already prone to thrombosis).
Class I

Used for prolonged surgeries, in intensive care, or for long forced immobility of a patient.
Class II

Usually utilized for patients who already have chronic venous or lymphatic insufficiency, as well as for those with thrombophlebitis.

The choice of compression class for surgery must be made only by a doctor

Selecting the correct size of compression stockings for surgery

It is important to take measurements before buying, including:

G: Hip circumference, retreating 5 cm below the buttocks.
F: Hip circumference approximately 15 cm below the buttocks.
D: Circumference just below the knee.
B: Circumference of the narrowest part of the lower leg above the bone.

Additionally, measure the length from the floor to points D and G.

Gather all these measurements and use them to select the appropriate size. Seeking advice from a consultant in a usual or online store will also be helpful.

How to wear compression stockings for surgery

Medical compression knitwear should be worn on the day of surgery in the morning immediately after waking up. This is crucial to prevent swelling. If you have already been walking, lie down for approximately 30 minutes before putting on the compression stockings to remove the swelling.

These stockings must remain on a patient after surgery. They can be removed on the third day after surgery, just before bedtime. The exception is made for varicose vein surgeries, because after them patients must wear compression around the clock, as long as a doctor says.