The effect of two nursing interventions on the postoperative outcomes of gynecologic laparoscopic patients

Anecdotal reports support research findings in documenting the high incidence of negative postoperative outcomes after gynecologic (GYN) laparoscopic surgery. Three outcome measures, postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and length of stay, have received considerable attention. Two nursing interventions frequently suggested for their positive effects are guided imagery and music therapy. An experimental pilot study was conducted to determine the effects of these nursing inventions on postoperative pain, PONV, and length of stay for GYN laparoscopic patients (n = 84). During the perioperative period, patients were randomly assigned to one of 3 interventions: guided imagery audiotapes (GI), music audiotapes (MU), or standard care (C), and outcome measures were evaluated. Results indicated that patients in both the guided imagery and music groups had significantly less pain on PACU discharge to home than the patients in the control group. These findings suggest that both guided imagery and music are effective strategies in improving pain, a difference that becomes apparent when the patient is ready to be discharged. It is possible that these interventions act as distractions in reducing the report of negative postoperative outcomes.