The Effect of Complementary Medicine (CAM) Treatments on Common Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients

Patient Reported Outcomes Following Complementary Medicine Treatments in Hospitalized Patients

This is a randomized, single blinded, interventional trial conducted in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, comparing the following three groups: Controls receiving standard-of-care (SoC) only (Group 1); intervention group receiving reflexology and SoC (Group 2); and a group receiving sham reflexology and SoC (Group 3). In all groups, level of preoperative anxiety was evaluated at entry and exit from the Holding Room Area (HRA). The evaluation was carried out using the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged 18 years
2. Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecysyectomy (LC)

Exclusion criteria:

1. Patients with a history of obstructive sleep apnea
2. Contraindication for benzodiazepines
3. Hemodynamic instability
4. Leg ulcers
5. Patients undergoing a LC together with another surgical procedure.