The Effects of Machine-Based and Manual Hand Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Function Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background: Inadequate management of pain, anxiety, and gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy can lead to an increase in the incidence of nausea and vomiting, disruption of gastric functions, delayed postoperative recovery, prolonged hospital stay, increased risk of mortality, opioid use, and unwanted side effects. To evaluate the impact of manual and machine-based hand massage following laparoscopic cholecystectomy on pain, anxiety, and gastrointestinal function.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 171 patients. Patients were divided into 2 intervention (manual hand massage and machine-based hand massage) groups (n=57), and a control group (n=57). Data were collected at 0, 4, and 8 hours postoperatively using the survey form, Numerical Rating Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Gastrointestinal Function Monitoring Form.

Results: The severity of pain in the manual hand massage group decreased statistically significantly after massage ( P <0.05). Anxiety levels in the intervention groups were lower at all time intervals postoperatively ( P <0.001). The severity of nausea in the massage groups was lower at 8 hours ( P <0.05). The number of bowel sounds at 8 hours in the massage groups showed a greater increase ( P <0.05).

Conclusion: Both manual and machine-based hand massage positively affected pain, anxiety, nausea intensity, and bowel sounds following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Manual hand massage was more effective than machine-based hand massage in reducing pain intensity and increasing bowel sounds.