This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of U-shaped travel neck pillow use in improving cervical comfort, reducing neck pain and stiffness, and enhancing cervical range of motion in adults undergoing total thyroidectomy surgery. It is the first randomized controlled trial in Turkey to examine the use of a travel neck pillow as a non-pharmacological intervention during the immediate postoperative period (day 0). The study will be conducted at Erciyes University Gevher Nesibe Hospital between December 5, 2024 and June 5, 2025. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the pillow group or the control group. Those in the pillow group will use a U-shaped neck pillow for the first 24 hours after surgery while at rest. Outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and comfort, the McGill Pain Questionnaire for pain localization and intensity, and goniometric measurements of cervical range of motion. Data will be collected preoperatively and at 24 hours postoperatively. This study is expected to provide clinical evidence supporting the use of travel neck pillows to improve postoperative comfort and mobility, offering a simple and cost-effective nursing intervention for thyroidectomy recovery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
110
Participants in the intervention group will receive a U-shaped travel neck pillow immediately after surgery upon arrival to the ward. The pillow will be used only during rest (supine or semi-Fowler's position) for the first 24 hours postoperatively and removed before mobilization begins. After removal, assessments will include cervical comfort using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain scores during neck movements (flexion, rotation, lateral flexion-excluding extension) via VAS, the McGill Pain Questionnaire for pain localization and severity, and cervical range of motion using a universal goniometer. This intervention aims to evaluate the pillow's effectiveness in reducing neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort, and improving mobility after thyroidectomy.
Erciyes Üniversitesi
Kayseri, Talas, Turkey (Türkiye)
Assessment of Patient Comfort Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is used to measure patient comfort. It is a 10 cm (100 mm) long line that can be oriented either horizontally or vertically. On this scale, 0 indicates "extremely uncomfortable" and 100 indicates "completely comfortable." In this study, the 10 cm VAS will be used in a horizontal orientation.
Time frame: The scale was filled in the baseline
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