COMPARISON OF TWO-LAYER AND FOUR-LAYER BANDAGE SYSTEMS IN TREATMENT OF VENOUS ULCER

Emin Can Ata* and Metin Onur Beyaz

ABSTRACT

Chronic venous insufficiency frequently causes the leg ulcers, pain, unpleasant smell, and decrease of life quality. Multi-layer bandage systems are the cornerstone of the treatment of venous ulcers. We aimed to compare the efficacy of the 2-layer and 4-layer bandage systems that we commonly use in our clinic. This retrospective study was conducted at our University Hospital during December 2017 and March 2019. A total of 81 (21 females, 60 males) patients with venous ulcers were included in the study. Two-layer and four-layer bandage systems were used for compression therapy according to the bandage availability, patient willingness, and ulcer exudation. The sub-bandage pressure was measured and fixed to 30-35 mmHg. Bandages were renewed every three days until the venous ulcer completely healed. The ulcer exudation disappeared after the first or 2nd bandaging. The mean time required for the closure of the venous ulcer was not statistically significant between the two groups (48.9±13.9 vs. 54.3±15.1, P=0.438). Sub-bandage pressure change after 8-10 hours between the group was not statistically significant (6.1±2. vs. 5.11±1.29, P=0.289). At the end of the treatment, the patients who had improvement in deep venous reflux were also similar in both groups (22.7% vs. 35%, P=0.220). No recurrent venous ulcer was observed during the follow-up period. In the treatment of venous ulcers caused by chronic venous insufficiency, the 2-layer and 4-layer bandages have similar effectiveness. The 2-layer bandage might be recommendable owing to its low cost and ease of use.

Keywords: venous insufficiency; venous ulcer; multi-layer bandage; sub-bandage pressure;