Comparison of effectiveness between moist and dry cryotherapy in reducing discomfort after orthognathic surgery.

[AIMS] The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between ice towel (moist cryotherapy) and ice-pack (dry cryotherapy) in postoperative care.

[BACKGROUND] Orthognathic surgery is often performed to modify the facial appearance of individuals. Cryotherapy was used to reduce the postoperative discomfort, such as local heat, pain and swelling. However, studies to compare the difference in effectiveness between moist and dry cryotherapy are lacking.

[DESIGN] A quasi-experimental design with follow-ups at regular intervals was conducted. The study involved data collection at the preoperative, postoperative 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours.

[METHODS] Subjects were recruited and assigned to group I (n = 27) and group II (n = 21) by locations. Group I received ice towels whereas group II used ice-packs as a strategy to reduce postoperative discomfort. Subjective indicators of local heat, pain and swelling were measured on postoperative days 1 and 2. When subjects went to postoperative recovery room, local temperatures on both sides of four facial areas and forehead were measured and repeated at scheduled intervals.

[RESULTS] Both subjective and objective indicators changed during the research period in these two groups. Group I subjects reported less postoperative discomfort, such as heat, swelling and pain. Group II subjects had higher reduction of local temperature in certain areas within 180 minutes.

[CONCLUSIONS] Both moist- and dry cryotherapy reduced postoperative discomfort effectively. The moist cryotherapy was more effective in reducing subjective discomfort caused by the operation. The dry cryotherapy reduced local temperature more effectively in certain areas after surgery.

[RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE] Cryotherapy could reduce postoperative discomfort, such as local heat, pain and swelling. When patient comfort is the major outcome of nursing intervention, moist cryotherapy is strongly suggested.