Combined acupressure to reduce post-thoracotomy pain and improve lung volume
The Effects of Acupressure Combination on Post-Thoracotomy Pain and Lung Volume During Rest, Breathing-Coughing Exercises: A Randomized Controlled Study
This trial will try combined acupressure on patients after thoracotomy to see if it reduces postoperative pain and helps restore lung volume.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dogus Universitesi Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07411417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults who undergo posterolateral thoracotomy and meet enrollment criteria receive a standardized, manual acupressure protocol applied to selected acupuncture points while in the immediate postoperative period. Pain intensity, analgesic (opioid) use, and objective measures of lung volume and respiratory function are recorded at specified postoperative time points. The intervention is noninvasive and delivered at the bedside as an adjunct to routine postoperative care. Outcomes are compared to baseline and usual postoperative expectations to determine whether acupressure changes pain or respiratory recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults who have had a first-time thoracotomy, are conscious and cooperative, classified ASA I–III, have a chest drain on ICU admission, BMI ≤ 30, and can communicate in Turkish are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are intubated, have significant psychiatric conditions or panic disorder, recent chemotherapy, BMI > 30, sensory impairments, intraoperative/postoperative complications, or cannot speak Turkish are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, acupressure could lower postoperative pain and opioid needs while improving breathing and lung volumes after thoracotomy.
How similar studies have performed: Acupuncture and acupressure have shown some success in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic use in various surgical settings, but evidence specific to thoracotomy-related lung-volume outcomes is limited and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Underwent thoracotomy * Undergoing thoracic surgery for the first time * Classified as ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) physical status I, II and III * Presence of a drain upon admission to the intensive care unit * Conscious, oriented, and cooperative * Provided verbal and written informed consent after receiving information about the study Exclusion Criteria: * Intubated * Persistent anxiety before the surgery * Diagnosed with panic disorder * Chemotherapy within the last 6 months * Diagnosed psychiatric illness or mental health problems * Presence of edema * Intraoperative or postoperative complications * Non-Turkish speaking, or presence of hearing or visual impairment * Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 * Participation in another clinical trial during the study period
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Özgül Aydemir — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Özgül Aydemir, Doctor
- Email: ozgul6761@gmail.com
- Phone: +905435326567
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.