The patient's position is important for ensuring patient comfort and preventing complications after thyroidectomy. This study was carried out to determine the effects of different degrees of head-of-bed elevation on the respiratory pattern and drainage following thyroidectomy and to provide suggestions for evidence-based clinical practice.
Thyroidectomy is a safe surgical procedure commonly used for the treatment of benign or malignant tumors, multinodular goiter and Graves disease. However, because of the rich vascular structure of the thyroid gland, serious complications including hemorrhage, hematoma and hematoma-related dyspnea can develop after thyroidectomy. The American Thyroid Association also suggested to keep the patient in a head-up at 45°-Fowler's position in the post anesthesia care unit following thyroidectomy to prevent hematoma formation on the incision site by facilitating venous return from the head and neck. The mentioned guideline does not offer any recommendations regarding the position that should be given to the patients at surgical clinic after thyroidectomy. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effects of different degrees of head-of-bed elevation on respiratory pattern including respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation and dyspnea, and drainage including amount of drainage and hematoma formation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
114
Respiratory pattern including respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation and dyspnea, and drainage including amount of drainage and hematoma formation of all patients were evaluated at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours after positions.
Respiration rate
Number of breaths per minute. It is counted for one minute.
Time frame: Every hour during four hours
Peripheral oxygen saturation
This oxygen saturation level is used to estimate arterial blood saturation and refers to the amount of oxygenated haemoglobin in the blood. It is measured by an indirect device using non-invasive method.
Time frame: Every hour during four hours
Amount of drainage
Drainage is the accumulation of blood in the drain suction bottle. The symptoms including red drainage and drainage more than 150 ml per hour in the suction bottle are defined as bleeding.The drain in the suction bottle is recorded hourly.
Time frame: Every hour during four hours
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is defined a subjective experience by individuals who complain of unpleasant or uncomfortable respiratory sensations. It is evaluated by patient expression and various instruments.
Time frame: Every hour during four hours
Hematoma formation
Hematoma is localized swelling that is filled with blood caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel. It is evaluated by monitoring warning signs such as progressive neck swelling, hypoxia, tachycardia, dyspnea and stridor.
Time frame: Every hour during four hours
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