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Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain at Thoracic Tube Sites After CABG: A Randomized Study
Uzeyir Yılmaz1, Güler Gülsen Ersoy2, Nurcan Ayabakan Eski2
1Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul.
Background:
Pain from chest tubes significantly contributes to postoperative discomfort and opioid use after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Nonpharmacological interventions at drain sites may aid recovery and reduce opioid exposure.
Methods:
This randomized controlled study involved 100 adult patients undergoing elective CABG, randomized 1:1 to receive kinesio taping (n = 50) or serve as controls (n = 50). Kinesio tape was applied around mediastinal and thoracic drain sites before extubation, avoiding the incision. Both groups received standard analgesia with paracetamol and tramadol as rescue analgesia. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) immediately after extubation and at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively. Opioid requirements, ICU stay, hospital stay, and complications were documented.
Results:
VAS scores at extubation were similar (4.00 ± 1.25 vs. 3.86 ± 0.90; p = 0.678). Kinesio taping patients had significantly lower VAS scores at 24 hours (3.76 ± 1.36 vs. 5.52 ± 1.20; p < 0.001) and 72 hours (2.60 ± 0.82 vs. 4.18 ± 0.83; p < 0.001). Fewer patients in the kinesio taping group required opioid rescue (24% vs. 62%; p < 0.001). The ICU stay was shorter with kinesio taping (2.90 ± 0.58 vs. 3.42 ± 0.86 days; p = 0.001), while hospital stay and infection rates were similar.
Conclusion:
Kinesio taping around drain sites post-CABG reduces pain, opioid needs, and ICU stay. This safe approach may enhance early postoperative pain management after cardiac surgery.
