Examining the Benefit of Graduated Compression Stockings in the Prevention of vEnous Thromboembolism in Low-risk Surgical Patients

Hospital acquired thrombosis describes blood clots that form in the legs and lungs after someone is treated in hospital. Clots in the leg can cause swelling, pain and other problems. If a clot in the leg travels to the lungs, it may be life threatening. Having surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots.

People having short-stay surgery (who either go home the same day or who stay overnight but go home shortly afterwards) are at a much lower risk of developing a blood clot than those who stay in hospital for longer. These low-risk people are often given elastic stockings (which squeeze the leg muscles) to reduce the chance of a blood clot.

The risks of wearing the stockings are low but they can be uncomfortable. In the UK, there are over a million short stay surgeries performed each year and most of these people are given elastic stockings to wear. Stockings cost the NHS a lot of money and it remains unknown if they work.

This study will investigate if it is worthwhile to continue using elastic stockings in people having surgery where the risk of developing blood clots is low. Adults (over 18-years) who are at low risk of developing blood clots (assessed using a nationally recognised tool) will be included.