Efficacy of a self-heating Chinese medicine hot pack for postpartum urinary retention

Abstract

Background and purpose

Postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is a frequent complication following epidural anesthesia in primiparous women, elevating the risk of urinary tract infections and long-term bladder dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a self-heating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hot pack in preventing PUR and enhancing postpartum maternal comfort.

Materials and methods

Eighty primigravid women receiving epidural anesthesia were randomly assigned to a control group receiving standard postpartum care, or a test group receiving standard care plus application of a self-heating TCM hot pack for 4 h. Key measures included time to first urination, voiding volume, residual urine volume, incidence of PUR, and maternal comfort assessed using Kolcaba's comfort scale 6–8 h after delivery.

Results

The incidence of PUR was significantly lower in the test group (2.56 %) compared to the control group (12.5 %). Participants using the TCM hot pack exhibited a markedly shorter time to first void, increased voiding volume, and significantly higher overall and dimensional comfort scores (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in 24-h vaginal bleeding or rates of postpartum hemorrhage.

Conclusion

The use of a self-heating TCM hot pack was associated with a reduced incidence of PUR and increased maternal comfort in this study, suggesting it may be a beneficial intervention for postpartum care. However, the specific contributions of thermal versus herbal components remain unclear. These findings indicate a simple and safe approach that warrants further investigation to confirm its efficacy and potential cost-effectiveness.