Aim

To identify indexed articles that deal with the use of elastic or inelastic compression therapy as a therapeutic approach for patients with venous leg ulcers.

Methods

Systematic review of literature search in the electronic databases Medline/Pubmed; Medline and Journal @Ovid / Ovid; CINAHL; Lilacs and Cochrane, the search strategies used the following descriptors and keywords: leg ulcer; varicose ulcer; bandage; "Stockings, compression"; venous ulceration; venous ulcer; compressive therapy; compression therapy; stocking.

Results

The search yielded 25 articles. The use of bandage compression was more effective than the bandage without compression. Bandages multilayer contribute to the healing of venous ulcers. The use of compression stockings and blood flow brokerage surgery are associated with the prevention of recurrence of ulcers.

Conclusion

The treatment of venous ulcers using some type of compression was effective in the healing process.

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