Effects of Using a Guideline for Subcutaneous Enoxaparin injection on Pain and Bruising in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Keywords:
bruising, enoxaparin, painAbstract
A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an improved subcutaneous enoxaparin administration guideline compared to the traditional guidelines in managing pain and bruising among obese patients. A total of 48 obese patients undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy at Songklanagarind Hospital in 2025, were recruited and allocated into either a control group (n=24) or an experimental group (n=24); through matched sampling. The control group received enoxaparin according to the traditional guidelines; whereas, the experimental group received the intervention based on the newly developed guideline. Data was collected using a personal information and medical history questionnaire, a pain assessment scale, a bruising assessment, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's Exact Tests, and the Mann-Whitney U Test.
Results: Patients in the experimental group reported significantly lower mean pain scores (M = 1.96) than those in the control group (M = 2.92). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the extent of bruising at 24 and 48 hours post-injection between the two groups Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher level of satisfaction compared to the control group. The results of this study show the effectiveness of using the newly developed guideline for evidence based practice for pain management and patient centered care. However, as to bruising, there was no statistically significant differences from the traditional guideline. A study, with either a larger or multiple sample groups should be conducted.
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