Authors

1Alba Simón Melchor, 1Rebeca Gil Salvador, 2Gema Naranjo Soriano, 3María Luisa Jiménez Sesma, 4Javier Solano Castán, 5Lucía Simón Melchor

Position

1 Enfermera de Atención Continuada del Centro de Atención Primaria de Calaceite (Alcañiz).2 Enfermera del servicio de quirófano del Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet (Zaragoza).3 Enfermera de Atención Continuada en Atención Primaria en el Sector Alcañiz.4 Farmacéutico de Loporzano (Huesca)5 Enfermera de hospitalización del Hospital Comunitario de Norwich (Norwich, Reino Unido).

Contact email: alba1986_7@hotmail.com

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of compression bandaging in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.
Methods:  A literature search was carried out using the terms varicose ulcer and compression bandages, over four months. Papers published from 2003 to 2014 were selected.
Results: Compression therapy has been shown to help healing of venous ulcers and to prevent recurrences and long-term persistence. A 40-mmHg compression level is recommended; this can only be used when ankle-brachial index (ABI) is 1 or higher.
Compression therapy must be used with other therapeutic measures and a correct diagnosis and treatment of ulcer causes is needed.
Conclusions: Vompression bandaging should be an essential therapeutic measure for venous ulcers. Compliance with such therapy is poor, and further health workers' education and patients' motivation are needed to promote its use.

Versión en Español

Título:

Evidencia científica del vendaje compresivo para el tratamiento de las úlceras venosas