Anti-embolic stockings before surgery: why they are needed and how to prepare for hospitalization

The material was prepared with the participation of doctor Shishova E.V.

Anti-embolic stockings, or hospital compression knitwear, may be prescribed before surgery as part of the prevention of venous thromboembolic complications. Their task is to support venous blood flow in situations where the patient is temporarily less mobile: during surgery, after the intervention, or when on bed rest.

The wearing regimen, compression class, duration of use, and necessity of such a product depend on the type of surgery, the condition of the veins, comorbidities, and individual risk of complications. These decisions are made by the attending physician.

Shishova E.V., ultrasound doctor, phlebologist, vascular surgeon (angiologist): "The duration of wearing hospital knitwear is absolutely individual"

What are anti-embolic stockings

Anti-embolic stockings are medical compression knitwear used in a hospital setting, before surgery, during surgical intervention, and in the early postoperative period. They are also called hospital stockings or anti-embolic knitwear. The main difference of such a product is its purpose. Hospital knitwear is designed for situations when a person is predominantly lying down or temporarily limited in movement. Everyday compression knitwear is used in other conditions: during walking, standing or sitting work, prolonged load on the legs, chronic venous diseases — if prescribed by a doctor.

Why anti-embolic stockings are worn before surgery

During and after surgery, a person may be temporarily immobilized. In everyday life, the movement of venous blood is assisted by the calf muscles: when walking, they contract and act as a "muscle-venous pump." If there is little movement, venous blood flow may slow down.

Venous thromboembolic complications are a group of conditions that include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In medical practice, the prevention of such complications may include early activation, medication methods, elastic compression, pneumatic compression, and other measures. The set of measures is determined by the doctor.

Anti-embolic stockings create external graduated pressure on the lower extremities. This helps to maintain a more correct distribution of pressure along the leg and is used as one of the mechanical methods of prevention in a hospital setting.

When a doctor may prescribe hospital knitwear

Anti-embolic stockings may be considered by a doctor in various situations related to surgery or temporary mobility restrictions.

Most often, the question of hospital knitwear arises:

— before planned surgical operations;
— before phlebological procedures and interventions on the veins;
— before cesarean section or childbirth, if the doctor sees such a need;
— during prolonged bed rest;
— with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic complications;
— in the postoperative period until the restoration of normal activity.

The prescription depends not only on the surgery itself but also on the overall condition of the patient. The same type of intervention in different people may require different approaches to prevention.

Factors that the doctor may consider

When assessing risk, the specialist may pay attention to several groups of factors:

— age;
— presence of varicose disease;
— previously experienced deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism;
— prolonged bed rest;
— pregnancy and postpartum period;
— excessive body weight;
— oncological diseases;
— intake of certain hormonal medications;
— comorbid cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases;
— volume and duration of the operation.

This list does not serve as a basis for self-prescribing stockings. It shows why it is important to discuss compression knitwear with a doctor in advance before surgery, rather than buying a product at the last moment.

Anti-embolic stockings and everyday compression knitwear: what is the difference

Hospital and everyday compression knitwear look similar but serve different purposes.

Criterion Anti-embolic stockings Everyday compression knitwear
Main situation of use Surgery, hospital, bed rest, early postoperative period Everyday activity, work, walking, prolonged sitting or standing
Body position Predominantly lying down or with limited mobility Predominantly standing, sitting, in motion
Purpose Prevention of venous complications in a hospital situation Support of venous outflow in conditions defined by a doctor
Duration and regimen Determined by the doctor depending on the operation and recovery Determined by the doctor considering the diagnosis, compression class, and lifestyle
Product selection By purpose, size, and medical documents By purpose, compression class, size, fit, and wearing regimen

Therefore, anti-embolic stockings cannot be automatically replaced with regular compression stockings, socks, or tights. Conversely, hospital knitwear is not intended for everyday long-term wear instead of products designed for active use.

Anti-embolic stockings or elastic bandage

Patients often ask whether hospital stockings can be replaced with an elastic bandage. The question is understandable: the bandage seems simpler and more universal. But medical compression knitwear has an important distinction — a predetermined pressure distribution. That is why the medical status of the product, size, fit, and compliance with purpose are important when making a choice.

How to prepare for hospitalization if the doctor said to buy anti-embolic stockings

It is better to clarify all parameters in advance, before the day of hospitalization. There may not be time in the hospital for a calm selection of size, checking fit, and replacing the product.

Before purchasing, it is worth asking the doctor or medical specialist several questions:

— is hospital anti-embolic knitwear specifically needed;
— what type of product is needed: stockings, socks, or another option;
— what compression class is indicated in the prescription;
— when to wear the product: before hospitalization, on the day of surgery, or already in the hospital;
— is it necessary to wear stockings at night;
— when and under what conditions can they be removed;
— are there contraindications considering the condition of the skin, arteries, diabetes, swelling, or other diseases;
— can already existing compression knitwear be used, or is a separate hospital product required.

If the doctor has given a prescription, it is important not to change the compression class and type of product independently. Even if a similar model is cheaper or has good reviews on the marketplace, it may not meet the purpose.

How to choose anti-embolic stockings

The choice starts not with the usual clothing size, but with measurements of the leg. For stockings, the circumferences at several points and the length of the product are usually assessed. The size chart may differ among different manufacturers, so it is important to refer to the specific size grid.

What to check before purchasing

— medical status of the product;
— availability of registration documents;
— compression class indicated by the doctor;
— compliance with the size chart;
— circumference of the ankle, calf, and thigh;
— length of the leg to the upper point of the stocking;
— availability of a model suitable for fit in the thigh area;
— quality of fixation of the upper edge;
— instructions for use and care;
— the ability to put on the product without wrinkles and twisting.

If the leg does not fit within the standard range for thigh circumference, one cannot simply take a larger size. In medical compression knitwear, the size must match at several points. If the product becomes loose in the ankle or calf area, it may fit incorrectly. For such cases, models for different body features are important, including products for wide thighs. The size range of anti-embolic stockings from Idealista includes products designed for wide thighs.

Indications and contraindications: why the decision is made by the doctor

Anti-embolic stockings can be part of the prevention of venous complications, but they are not suitable for everyone. Professional medical guidelines specifically note situations in which anti-embolic stockings are not used or are applied only after evaluation by a specialist.

Reasons for special caution may include:

— diseases of the peripheral arteries;
— pronounced sensitivity disorders, including neuropathy;
— severe skin lesions in the wearing area;
— allergy to the materials of the product;
— pronounced swelling, making it impossible to select the right size;
— unusual shape of the limb that hinders proper fit;
— pain, skin color changes, blisters, pronounced constriction after wearing.

If pain, numbness, coldness of the foot, skin color changes, severe constriction, blisters, or sharp discomfort occur after putting on the stockings, the product should be shown to medical personnel. It is not advisable to "endure because it should be like this."

Why this is important when choosing medical compression knitwear

Anti-embolic stockings belong to medical compression knitwear. This means that when choosing, not only appearance, price, and reviews are important, but also confirmed characteristics of the product.

When selecting medical compression knitwear, the following factors are significant:

— medical status of the product;
— compression class;
— size and fit;
— wearing regimen;
— registration documents;
— compliance with standards;
— availability of models for different body features, such as products for wide thighs.

These criteria are especially important before surgery. The patient needs a product that meets the doctor's prescription, fits the measurements, and does not create additional risks due to improper fit.

The company «Ekoten» is one of the largest Russian manufacturers of medical compression knitwear and orthopedic products. The Luomma Idealista line includes medical compression knitwear: anti-embolic knitwear, compression stockings, socks, tights, sleeves, and gloves. The assortment includes products for various anatomical features, including models for wide thighs.

The products of «Ekoten» are included in the Register of Russian industrial products, and the company's products are marked with the label «Made in Russia.» For the patient and the doctor, this is an additional guideline when choosing a product, especially when it comes to hospitalization, surgery, and medical prescription.

What to take with you to the hospital

If the doctor prescribed anti-embolic stockings before surgery, it is better to prepare them in advance and take them to the hospital along with other documents and belongings.

It is useful to check:

— the packaging of the product;
— the instructions for use;
— compliance of the size with your measurements;
— absence of damage on the fabric;
— correctness of the pair and size;
— the ability to put on the stockings without wrinkles;
— absence of cream or oil on the skin before putting them on, if this worsens fixation.

It is not advisable to unpack the product for the first time just before the surgery if there is an opportunity to check the size in advance. If the stockings are too tight, twist, slip, or gather in wrinkles, it is better to clarify the selection before hospitalization.

 Any decisions regarding the prescription of compression products are made exclusively by the attending physician. This material is for informational purposes only. Follow our group on VKontakte.