Effect of Massage therapy on Postoperative Pain following Abdominal Surgery in Infants

Abstract

Pain after abdominal surgery has a significant effect on physiological and psychological aspects of infants. Massage therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in pain relief in randomized trials. Aim of the study: To examine the effect of massage therapy on infants' post-operative pain following abdominal surgery. Subjects and method: Design: Aquasi –experimental (time series) design was used to conduct this study, sample a random sample of 60 infants were used. Setting: The study was conducted at Pediatric Surgery department at Assiut University Children Hospital.Tools: Two tools were used to collect data; a structured interview questionnaire and face, leg, activity, crying, consolability scale (FLACC) to assess pain. Results: There was statistically significant difference between both groups and during pre-test and post-test regarding FLACC scores. A highly statistically significant difference between study and control group pain score at first, third and fourth visit in post-test (P1=0.000, p1= 0.024 and P1=0.004 respectively). Conclusion: Massage therapy has significantly decreased postoperative pain in infants. Recommendations: Providing periodically training program for nurses and mothers infants to improve awareness about abdominal pain and used of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief such as massage therapy.