Effects of compression therapy and venous surgery on tissue oxygenation in chronic venous disease

Objectives This study aimed to determine if compression therapy or surgical intervention improves tissue oxygenation in chronic venous disease. Method Thirty lower limbs with chronic venous disease were placed into three groups, being compression, open surgical and endovenous ablation. Tissue oxygenation was assessed using a hyperspectral transcutaneous oxygen measurement system. Measurements were recorded at baseline and 28 days following therapy. Results Fourteen patients completed the study; therefore, the cohort was re-categorised into two groups: compression therapy and surgical. There were no differences in demographics and baseline hyperspectral transcutaneous oxygen measurement. In compression therapy, skin perfusion was enhanced in all locations in the supine position and lateral malleolus in standing position. Skin temperature (degrees C) increased in all locations. In the surgical group, oxyhaemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin saturation increased at the medial malleolus in standing position; however, no other significant improvements were identified. Conclusions Compression increased tissue oxygenation and skin temperature to a greater extent than surgical intervention. This supports the importance of compression therapy in chronic venous disease.