The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mechanical abdominal
massage on
postoperative pain and
ileus after
colectomy. We hypothesized that parietal abdominal stimulation could counteract induced
pain and postoperative
ileus, through common spinal-sensitive pathways, with nociceptive visceral messages. After preoperative randomization, 25 patients (age 52 +/- 5 years) underwent active mechanical
massage by intermittent negative pressure on the abdominal wall resulting in aspiration (Cellu M50 device, LPG, Valence, France), and 25 patients (age 60 +/- 6 years) did not receive active mechanical
massage (placebo group).
Massage sessions began the first day after
colectomy and were performed daily until the seventh postoperative day. In the active-
massage group, amplitude and frequency were used, which have been shown to be effective in reducing muscular
pain, whereas in the placebo group, ineffective parameters were used. Visual analogue scale (VAS)
pain scores, doses of
analgesics (
propacetamol), and delay between surgery and the time to first passage of
flatus were assessed. Types and dosages of the
anesthetic drugs and the duration of the
surgical procedure did not differ between groups. From the second and third postoperative days, respectively, VAS
pain scores (P < 0.001) and doses of
analgesics (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in patients receiving active
massage compared to the placebo group. Time to first passage of
flatus was also significantly shorter in the active-
massage group (1.8 +/- 0.3 days vs. 3.6 +/- 0.4 days, P < 0.01). No adverse effects were observed. These results suggest that mechanical
massage of the abdominal wall may decrease
postoperative pain and
ileus after
colectomy.