The Effect of Cold Application on Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Nausea and vomiting seen within the first 24 hours after surgery are defined as "Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (POBK). Postoperative nausea and vomiting are one of the most common complications of anesthesia. It has been reported that the risk of nausea and vomiting is particularly high after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is stated that vagal stimulation and pneumoperitoneum process may trigger this situation in laparoscopic surgeries. Nausea and vomiting after surgery is a very uncomfortable situation for the patient. There are several pharmacological methods to prevent and treat POBK. However, it is stated that the non-pharmacological approach should also be brought to the fore. It is stated that cold reduces molecular activity and causes vasoconstriction. It is stated that cold can slow down the blood flow to the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata and the progression of nausea and vomiting can be slowed down. In this way, it is thought that it will contribute to increasing patient satisfaction and providing cost-effective care.

The study will conduct as a prospective randomized controlled trial. After obtaining verbal and written consent from the patients before and after the surgery, the study will conduct with various data collection forms.

These forms are; the patient data collection form, numerical evaluation scale, preoperative Apfel risk score evaluation form, postoperative nausea severity evaluation form, and perceived effectiveness of the ice pack forms will use. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy will perform and all cases meeting the inclusion criteria will evaluate. Patients will randomize. The ice pack will apply in group-I (n=27), and group II (n=27) will be the control group. An ice pack will be applied to the posterior upper neck regions of patients with nausea in Group-I, at an interval of 5 minutes. The vital signs of the patients will be recorded. The severity of nausea and pain of the patients will be evaluated with a numerical rating scale. The effectiveness of its application as perceived by the patient will be evaluated.

In the control group, the severity of nausea and pain will be determined by using a numerical evaluation scale in patients with postoperative nausea. Vital signs will be recorded at this stage. Standard procedures will be applied to these patients within the scope of nursing practices.