Acupressure therapy to reduce pain in patient with post laparotomy

Abstract

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent perforation. To avoid this complication, laparotomy is a commonly performed procedure. This study focuses on a 14 years old female patient experiencing post-laparotomy pain. Patients after laparotomy often experience pain that may cause discomfort and hinder the healing process. The pain can result from tissue damage and may affect the patient’s breathing and mobility. To alleviate the pain, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can be applied, such as acupressure, deep breathing relaxation, distraction techniques, and mobilization. Non-pharmacological pain management can help reduce pain perception through cognitive-behavioural interventions, which may alter pain perception, increase comfort, and provide the patient with a sense of control over their pain. Among the commonly used non-pharmacological techniques is acupressure therapy, which involves applying massage-like pressure to specific points on the body to help relieve symptoms. The results showed a significant decrease in pain intensity, reduced abdominal pain, decreased restlessness, and a reduction in grimacing. These improvements demonstrate that non-pharmacological pain management, particularly acupressure therapy, is effective in controlling post operative pain.

Keywords: Acupressure, complementary therapy, nursing care, pain management, surgery