Ice pack versus warm gel pad for comfort during drain removal after open urological surgery

Effect of Ice Pack and Warm Gel Pad Use During Drain Removal on Anxiety, Comfort, Physiological Parameters, and Patient Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Open Urological Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Tarsus University · NCT07408921

This test sees if applying an ice pack or a warm gel pad during drain removal reduces anxiety, improves comfort, and steadies vital signs for adults after open urological surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTarsus University (other)
Locations1 site (Mersin, Turkey)
Trial IDNCT07408921 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled experiment will assign adults who had open urological surgery and a single surgical drain to one of three groups: ice pack, warm gel pad, or usual care. Outcomes include state anxiety, comfort and satisfaction scales, and hemodynamic parameters measured before and after drain removal at two time points. The study plans to enroll 120 participants (40 per group) at Tarsus University/Mersin University between February 2026 and February 2027 and will analyze repeated measures using ANOVA. A post hoc power analysis will be performed at the end of the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18 or older) who consent, are conscious, oriented and cooperative, underwent open urological surgery with a single surgical drain, and have no communication problems are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with two or more drains, prior drain experience, impaired consciousness or communication problems, or those unable to attend the study site are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this low-risk approach could reduce anxiety and discomfort during drain removal and improve patient satisfaction and stability of vital signs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous peri-procedural pain research suggests topical cold or heat can reduce discomfort and anxiety, but direct evidence for using ice or warm gel pads specifically during post‑surgical drain removal is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who consented to participate in the study,
* Patients who underwent open urological surgery,
* Patients followed with a single surgical drain,
* Aged 18 years and older,
* Conscious, oriented, and cooperative,
* Without communication problems.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who did not consent to participate in the study,
* Under 18 years of age,
* Not conscious, oriented, or cooperative,
* With communication problems,
* Having had a surgical drain previously,
* Individuals with two or more surgical drains.

Where this trial is running

Mersin, Turkey

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Drain, Ice Pack, Warm Gel Pad, Anxiety, Comfort, Physiological Parameters, Patient Satisfaction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.