Objectives: Medical compression therapy is used for non-invasive treatment of venous and lymphatic diseases. Medical compression therapy-associated adverse events and contraindications have been reported, although some contraindications are theoretically based. This consensus statement provides recommendations on medical compression therapy risks and contraindications. Methods: A systematic literature search of medical compression therapy publications reporting adverse events up until November 2017 was performed. A consensus panel comprising 15 international experts critically reviewed the publications and formulated the recommendations. Results: Sixty-two publications reporting medical compression therapy adverse events were identified. The consensus panel issued 21 recommendations on medical compression therapy contraindications and adverse event risk mitigation, in addition to reviewing medical compression therapy use in borderline indications. The most frequently reported non-severe medical compression therapy-associated adverse events included skin irritation, discomfort and pain. Very rare but severe adverse events, including soft tissue and nerve injury, were also identified. Conclusion: This consensus statement summarises published medical compression therapy-associated adverse events and contraindications, and provides guidance on medical compression therapy. Severe medical compression therapy-associated adverse events are very rarely encountered if compression is used correctly and contraindications are considered.

Aim: To investigate the influence of compression bandages, manufactured using materials with different elastic properties, on the impaired venous pumping function in patients with venous insufficiency. Methods: Ejection volume (EV) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using strain gauge plethysmography distal from the patella without and with elastic and inelastic compression bandages in a total of 30 patients with major venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. The interface pressure of the bandages was measured simultaneously in the medial gaiter area. Normal values of EV and EF were obtained from 15 healthy controls. Results: Patients with venous insufficiency showed a statistically significant reduction of EV and EF compared to controls. Elastic bandages with an average pressure of 42 mm Hg in the supine position achieved a moderate increase of EV and a significant improvement of EF (p < .01), while inelastic bandages applied with comparable resting pressure (41 mm Hg) raised EV and EF into a normal range (p < .001). The improvement of the ejection fraction correlates well with the pressure differences between standing and lying (Static Stiffness Index) and between muscle systole and diastole during exercise (Pearson r = 0.69 and 0.74 respectively, p < .001). Elastic bandages applied with high stretch in order to achieve standing pressures comparable to those of inelastic bandages (>60 mm Hg) led only to a minor improvement of the venous pumping function. Conclusions: Ejected volume and ejection fraction, which are severely reduced in venous insufficiency, can be increased by compression therapy. Inelastic compression is much more effective than elastic bandages, and is able to normalize venous pumping function. With elastic bandages EV and EF always remain below the normal range even when applied with high stretch producing a resting pressure that is barely tolerable.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of compression stockings and inelastic, high-pressure bandages concerning leg volume reduction in patients with chronic leg oedema. Material and methods: Forty-two legs of 30 patients with chronic leg oedema caused by venous stasis were randomized to receive a strong inelastic bandage (IB) or an elastic stocking (ES) exerting a pressure of 23–32 mmHg. Changes in leg oedema were assessed after two and seven days by water displacement volumetry, measurements of leg circumferences and of skin thickness by using Duplex ultrasound. Interface pressure was registered under the compression devices for seven days. Results: There was no significant difference between stockings and bandages, which both produced a significant reduction in leg volume after two days (−9.6% [95% CI 7.5–11.8] by ES and −11.5% [95% CI 9.9–13.2%] by IB) and after seven days (−13.2% [95% CI 10.4–16.2] by ES and −15.6% [95% CI 12.8–18.4] by IB). Bandages showed a more pronounced reduction in leg circumference and in skin thickness in the calf region. The pressure of IB in the lying position fell from initially 63 to 22 mmHg after two days, but only from 33 to 26 mmHg under ES (median values). The optimal pressure range concerning oedema reduction was found between 40 and 60 mmHg, while higher pressures produced by bandages showed a negative correlation with volume reduction. Conclusions: Compression stockings exerting a pressure of around 30 mmHg are nearly as effective as high-pressure bandages with an initial pressure over 60 mmHg in reducing chronic leg oedema.

Guidelines are fundamental in addressing everyday clinical indications and in reporting the current evidence-based data of related scientific investigations. At the same time, a spatial and temporal issue can limit their value. Indeed, variability in the recommendations can be found both among the same nation different scientific societies and among different nations/continents. On the other side, Garcia already published in 2014 data showing how, after three years in average, one out of five recommendations gets outdated (Martinez Garcia LM, Sanabria AJ, Garcia Alvarez E, et al. The validity of recommendations from clinical guidelines: a survival analysis. CMAJ 2014;186(16):1211–1219). The present document reports a narrative literature revision on the major international recommendations in lower limb venous and lymphatic disease management, focusing on the different countries’ guidelines, trends and controversies from all the continents, while identifying new evidence-based data potentially influencing future guidelines. World renowned experts’ opinions are also provided. The document has been written following the recorded round tables scientific discussions held at the vWINter international meeting (22–26 January 2019; Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy) and the pre- and post-meeting literature search performed by the leading experts.