Menthol Massage for Post-Bypass Pain & Anxiety

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mentholated ointment massage in reducing pain and anxiety levels in patients who have undergone coronary bypass surgery, volunteered to participate in the study, and met the inclusion criteria. Group 1: Back massage with mentholated ointment (Vicks) Group 2: Back massage with paraffin oil Group 3 (Control): Routine clinical treatment The comparison group consists of the group receiving a back massage with paraffin oil and the control group (routine clinical treatment). The questions it aims to answer are: H1: Back massage with mentholated ointment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces back pain levels compared to patients receiving routine treatment. H2: Back massage with paraffin oil after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces back pain levels compared to patients receiving routine treatment. H3: Back massage with mentholated ointment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces anxiety levels compared to patients receiving routine treatment. H4: Back massage with paraffin oil after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces anxiety levels compared to patients receiving routine treatment. H5: Back massage with mentholated ointment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces back pain levels compared to back massage with paraffin oil. H6: Back massage with mentholated ointment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduces anxiety levels compared to back massage with paraffin oil. Pain intensity and vital signs will be monitored in all participants before surgery, at 0 minutes (before analgesia administration), and at 30 minutes after surgery. Additionally, vital signs will be observed before the back massage at 0 minutes and after at 15 minutes. Anxiety levels will be measured before surgery and 15 minutes after the back massage application. A total of 5 back massage applications will be performed until the patients are discharged.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a frequently preferred surgical treatment method for coronary artery disease (CAD). After surgery, patients experience complications such as pain and anxiety associated with sternotomy. Reducing pain and anxiety levels in the postoperative period may be effective in speeding up the discharge process for patients. Back pain after sternotomy is a significant source of concern for patients who have undergone heart surgery. Galao-Malo states that pain often radiates from the sternum to the sides of the chest and eventually to the back, where it may become more musculoskeletal in nature. Additionally, the surgical approach itself, the patient's position during surgery, and the resulting tension in the back and shoulders can contribute to musculoskeletal pain. Studies have shown that inadequate pain control in the postoperative period can exacerbate these problems and lead to chronic pain syndromes. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are used in postoperative pain management. Massage is effective in reducing patients' pain levels as a non-pharmacological method. A study by Sözen determined that foot massage has a positive effect on reducing postoperative pain levels. In addition, massage increases blood flow and reduces pain levels by promoting the release of endorphins. For this reason, massage therapy is recommended for managing pain symptoms after CABG. This study aims to investigate the effect of post-operative back massage with mentholated ointment and paraffin oil on pain and anxiety levels in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery. It is anticipated that the data obtained will contribute to evidence-based practices and promote the wider use of non-pharmacological methods for pain and anxiety management by nurses.