Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Living Kidney Donors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on postoperative pain in laparoscopic living kidney donors. Design This was a randomized controlled, single-blind trial. This study was conducted in accordance with the CONSORT statement. Methods This study was conducted between January and September 2023 and included 62 patients (study group = 31, control group = 31) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy in the transplant service of a private hospital in Istanbul province. A power analysis was performed to calculate the sample size and the power of the study (G*Power 3.1). Study data were collected using a patient information form, a postoperative patient follow-up and evaluation form to record the total number of bolus requests and administrations via of boluses with the PCA device and additional analgesic needs, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The data obtained in the study were analyzed on the SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Results Additional analgesic requirements did not differ significantly between groups where progressive muscle relaxation exercises were applied and the VAS score and bolus requirement were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Anxiety levels were also significantly reduced in the experimental group compared to both their pre-test scores and the control group (p < 0.05). Although the time to resume oral intake did not differ significantly between the groups (X-2 = 5.020; p = 0.170 > 0.05), the time to start mobilization was significantly earlier in the experimental group (X-2 = 8.808; p = 0.012 < 0.05). As a result of the study, it was found that progressive muscle relaxation exercises reduced postoperative pain, bolus requirements, and anxiety in patients undergoing living donor nephrectomy. Additionally, these exercises facilitated earlier mobilization following surgery.