Compression Therapy with Elastic Arm Sleeve after Arteriovenous Graft Construction

Abstract

Objectives: We assessed edema suppression and seroma prevention by compression therapy with elastic arm sleeve after arteriovenous graft (AVG) construction. Methods: From May 2011 to December 2014, 95 patients underwent AVG construction with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft at our institution. The study included an AS(+) group that received compression therapy with elastic arm sleeve (n=24) and an AS(−) group that did not receive therapy (n=15). We assessed the circumferences of the wrist, middle of the forearm, and the elbow in the postoperative period, and investigated whether seroma occurred in both groups. Results: The forearm circumference in the AS(+) group was significantly lower than that in the AS(−) group in the postoperative period. Seroma was not observed in the AS(+) group, whereas it was found in two patients in the AS(−) group. Conclusion: Compression therapy with elastic arm sleeve after AVG construction was an effective method to reduce edema. These findings showed seroma prevention.