Study of Combined Acupressure to Reduce Pain and Improve Lung Volume After Thoracotomy Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Pain after thoracotomy is often severe due to the surgical incision affecting ribs, muscles, and nerves. This trial evaluates the effects of combined acupressure on post-thoracotomy pain and lung volume. The study explores how acupressure, a non-drug method that stimulates specific body points to balance energy flow and regulate pain, may help reduce opioid use and improve recovery after thoracic surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving acupressure at specific points on the body at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery or a control group receiving standard care without acupressure. Each acupressure point is stimulated for one minute. Both groups continue routine clinical treatment and care during the study. Participants will have their pain levels measured at rest, during breathing, coughing, and movement before surgery and at 2, 6, and 24 hours post-surgery using a visual analogue scale. Lung volume will be recorded before surgery and 24 hours after using a triflow device. Additional assessments include breathing and coughing exercises and vital signs such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The study aims to improve pain management and lung function after thoracotomy while minimizing opioid-related side effects.

Combined Acupressure Effects on Post-Thoracotomy Pain and Lung Volume