USE OF COMPRESSIVE BANDAGES IN THE TREATMENT OF VENOUS ULCERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Keywords:
venous ulcer; compression; multilayer bandage; short elasticity; compression stockingsAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i17.0368
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of different compression bandages in the healing of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Methods: Systematic review according to PRISMA 2020 [1]. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies were searched up to October 5, 2025. Population: Adults with VLUs (ABPI ≥0.8). Primary outcome: Time to healing or healing proportion at 12–24 weeks. Narrative synthesis was performed due to clinical/methodological heterogeneity. Results: Ten RCTs were included. Overall, compression accelerates healing compared to no compression. Four-layer elastic multilayer bandages (4LB) showed an advantage over short-stretch/inelastic bandages (SSB) in several RCTs; two-layer systems were non-inferior to 4LB and rated better for comfort in some trials; zinc paste (3 layers) was comparable to or superior in selected settings. Conclusions: Compression is the cornerstone of UVP management. 4LB remains the gold standard, but 2 layers and well-applied SSB are valid alternatives; the choice should be individualized according to anatomy, exudate, tolerance, and the practitioner's skill.
Keywords: venous ulcer; compression; multilayer bandage; short elasticity; compression stockings.
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