Cold Application on Pain During Chest Tube Removal

Efficacy of Cold Application on Pain During Chest Tube Removal: A Randomized Controlled Trial : A CONSORT Compliant Article

Abstract Objectives: Use of analgesics is the most common method to alleviate the pain induced by chest tube removal (CTR), but patient response to medication can vary and may not be achieved complete relaxation. This study was to determine the effectiveness of cold application in combination with standard analgesic administration before CTR on CTR-induced pain.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo sham-controlled study was conducted. In addition to the same routine care, subjects in the experimental group (n = 30) received cold application of 600 g ice packs 15 minutes before CTR, whereas subjects in the placebo sham group (n = 30) received tap water packs. Numerical rating scale was used to measured pain intensity before, immediately after, and 10 minutes after CTR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (a) age greater than 20 years, (b) single chest-tube insertion, (c) first-time insertion of the chest tube, (d) ability to verbally report pain, (e) body mass index of < 30 kg/m2, and (f) normal vital signs.

Exclusion Criteria:

• cold urticaria