The impact of warming on pain and wound healing after hernia surgery: a preliminary study

Objective: To determine whether the application of warmth after hernia surgery reduces pain and aids wound healing. Method: Forty-five patients were recruited and randomised to receive either no warming; two hours of warming immediately after surgery; or seven days of warming. Results: Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower after two hours of warming immediately after surgery compared with the non-warmed patients (p<0.05). Pain scores were lower on each of the first seven postoperative days in the warmed groups compared with the non-warmed subjects. Patients in the warmed groups also had lower ASEPSIS wound scores. Conclusion: Warming may allow wounds to heal with fewer complications. In addition, warming for only two hours immediately after surgery may provide similar benefits to seven days of warming. Declaration of interest: This study is part of a research programme part-funded by a competitive research grant from Augustine Medical, which also provided warming equipment at no cost. Since the study was conducted, DJL has become an independent adviser to Arizant (formerly Augustine Medical).