Methods: The sample consisted of 44 male patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and urinary diversion. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, including knee length stockings group (n=22; mean age 61.7±9.1 years) and thigh length stockings group (n=22; mean age 62.1±7.0 years). For data collection, the Patient Assessment Form, Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptom Form and Color Doppler Ultrasonography Results of Lower Extremity Deep Venous System were used. Statistical analysis was performed using, the chi-square test, Student t-test and Mann-Whitney U analysis.

Results: In the knee length stockings group, the operation time was 174.3±68.6 min and the duration of using antiembolism stockings was 6.1±1.3 days, while the operation time was 177.4±72.9 min in the thigh length stockings group and the duration of using antiembolism stockings was 6.2±1.4 days. According to the results of the lower extremity color Doppler ultrasonography performed before discharge, deep vein thrombosis was not detected in the patients of any group. When the symptoms associated with deep vein thrombosis were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively, it was observed that a very small number of patients experienced it, however, the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis was not verified in any of them.

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that there is no difference between knee length and thigh length antiembolism stockings in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. However, knee length antiembolism stockings are recommended postoperatively to avoid possible complications, due to its ease of use and patient comfort.