Effects of Cold Application and Heparinoid on Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis

Periorbital edema and ecchymosis are common after anterior craniotomy. Periorbital edema and ecchymosis are not complications, they are natural outcomes of surgical trauma. However, periorbital edema prevents pupil examination and causes the patient to experience fear and anxiety with accompanying ecchymosis. Periorbital edema rate after anterior craniotomy was 36.8‐100%, ecchymosis rate was 62.5%, and 30% of patients with edema did not have a pupil examination for the first 36 hours after craniotomy.The present study was carried out to determine the effects of the heparinoid creams and regular cold application performed using gel packs in controlling periorbital edema and ecchymosis after craniotomy.