ABSTRACT
The effect of a newly developed abdominal webbing strap for pain relief after exploratory laparotomy in gynaecological patients was studied using a quasi-experimental method. The subjects consisted of 60 patients in gynaecological wards and were randomly allocated into 2 groups as a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group was given the webbing strap when they gained consciousness after operation until 72 hours later while the control group was not. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the pain level experienced by the patient. The percentage changes in pain level while resting, coughing and walking were evaluated in both groups at 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation. The data were then analysed using the Student t-test. The results of the study showed no statistical difference in the decrease of pain level for either group while they were resting (P > 0.05) at every time of evaluation. On the contrary, at every time of evaluation, the pain level of the experimental group showed a greater decrease than the control group when coughing or walking which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The quantity of analgesic usage was also not statistically different for either group (P > 0.05). As a result of this, we suggest our new developed webbing strap should be used routinely in gynaecological patients after exploratory laparotomy.