Aloe Vera Gel Compared to Cold/Warm Compresses for Reducing Ecchymosis at the Saphenous Vein Graft Harvest Site: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Background: The saphenous vein harvest site in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is highly susceptible to edema and local complications such as ecchymosis. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of aloe vera gel with that of cold and warm compresses in reducing ecchymosis at the lower leg harvest site in patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Materials and methods: This two-group randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients scheduled for CABG surgery. Eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either Group A (aloe vera gel) or Group B (cold and warm compresses). For each participant, one leg was randomly assigned as the intervention site and the other as the control. Data collection tools included a demographic and surgical information form and an ecchymosis assessment chart. The intervention lasted for 6 days. Control legs received routine postoperative dressing. Photographs were taken on postoperative days, and the ecchymosis area was measured using ImageJ software.

Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean ecchymosis area between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean ecchymosis area in the treated leg decreased significantly compared to the control leg in both groups on days 5, 7, 10, and 30 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Aloe vera gel was significantly more effective than cold and warm compresses in reducing ecchymosis at the saphenous vein graft (SVG) harvest site. Aloe vera gel can be considered an effective adjunctive treatment to minimize ecchymosis in patients following CABG surgery.