RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aims of the current study were to evaluate the effects of superficial cold and heat after spine surgery on pain, satisfaction with pain control and comfort level, and to identify subjective responses and adverse effects. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was utilized. The intervention group (n=36) received superficial cooling until the wound drain was removed and thereafter followed by superficial heating until discharge, while the control group (n=34) received only superficial cooling until wound drain was removed. Data were collected from August 4 to November 11 2014. RESULTS: There was significant difference in pain according to time within groups (F=71.87, p<.001). However, we found no difference in pain between groups. The intervention group reported higher patient satisfaction with pain control (4 vs 3, z=-2.83, p=.005) and higher comfort level (5 vs 4, z=-4.12, p<.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that sequential application of superficial cold and heat is a useful method in clinical practice for management of pain after spine surgery.