Effect of Use of Abdominal Binder after Midline Laparotomy on Postoperative Pain and Early Mobility, a Tertiary Care Hospital Experience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47489/szmc.v39i4.840Keywords:
Abdominal, binder, Postoperative pain, early mobility, Laparotomy, RecoveryAbstract
Background: Midline laparotomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Postoperative pain and mobility are significant challenges affecting recovery. Abdominal binders are usually used postoperatively, but their effect remains controversial.
Objective: To compare the postoperative pain and early mobility among patients undergoing midline laparotomy with and without the use of an abdominal binder.
Method: Narowal DHQ teaching hospital was the location of the prospective randomized controlled trial used on 48 patients who underwent an elective midline laparotomy from January to June 2025 in two study groups. Group A (binder group), Group B (non-binder group). We assessed pain after surgery, the scale was a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), regarding pain on postoperative days 1st, 3rdand 5th and measured early mobility with the modified Barthel Index and time to first walk. Other outcomes included were postoperative complications such as wound infection and patient satisfaction. Data was entered on SPSS version 24.
Results: The difference between group A and B was significant in POD (post-op day)1, and POD 3 (P < 0.05) and was not significant on POD 5 in terms of post op mobility. The binder group had much lower VAS pain scores on POD 1 and POD 3 (P < 0.05) but not on POD 5. First ambulation time after surgery was Group A had a higher modified Barthel Index score on POD 3 and 5 (P < 0.05) than group B. The difference in wound complications or respiratory issues was not significant. Binder group had more patient satisfaction.
Conclusion: The use of abdominal binders following midline laparotomy is associated with less postoperative pain and earlier ambulation, thus improving recovery without increasing complications. Binders may be considered a beneficial adjunct in postoperative management.
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