The effect of ice pack and lukewarm gel pad use on pain, anxiety level and physiological parameters of the child during surgical drain removal in children aged 9-18 years

This study aimed to determine the effect of ice pack and lukewarm gel pad on pain and anxiety during surgical drain removal in children aged 9–18 years. The study included children with surgical drains who were treated in the pediatric surgery unit of Adana City Hospital between July 2024 and April 2025. The study sample comprised 99 children (33 with ice packs, 33 with lukewarm gel pads, and 33 in the control group). In the ice pack group, the area around the drain entry site was cooled using ice packs. In the lukewarm gel pad group, gel pads kept at room temperature and able to wrap around the drain completely were used. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form," "Numerical Pain Scale," "Vital Signs Follow-up Form," and "State Anxiety Scale for Children." The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. There was no significant difference between the groups in pain and anxiety scores before the procedure (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was found between the groups in intra- and post-procedural pain and post-procedural anxiety levels (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in blood pressure and oxygen saturation values before and after the procedure. A significant difference was observed in pulse rates before the procedure (p<0.05), but no difference was found afterward (p>0.05). Post-procedural respiratory rate differed significantly between the groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, applying an ice pack effectively reduced pain and anxiety during drain removal. It is recommended that evidence-based physical methods such as ice pack application be widely adopted and considered a standard medical practice to alleviate pain and anxiety during such procedures