The effects of topical application of sesame oil on the treatment of phlebitis caused by the injection of anti-neoplastic agents

Objectives: Today, cancer is regarded as one of the most important health concerns. Various methods such as chemotherapy have been applied for cancer treatment, all including intravenous administration of different agents. Catheter‐related phlebitis is the most important and commonly reported complication, affecting half of cancer patients; this condition is also considered as a potential threat causing fatal infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical application of sesame oil on the treatment of phlebitis caused by the injection of anti‐neoplastic agents. Materials and Methods: In total, 60 patients with colorectal cancer, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. Sesame oil was given to the intervention group twice a day (10 drops) to be applied on the site of phlebitis; this region was massaged in a rotational manner and then bandaged. This region was also washed with baby soap before applying the oil. Patient follow‐up lasted for one week. The control group was asked to wash the phlebitis location with baby soap before the massage. Then, the desired region was rotationally massaged twice a day for 5 min and then bandaged. The severity of phlebitis was evaluated based on the criteria on the first, third, fifth and seventh days. Results: The results of Chi‐square test showed that the distribution of sample units between the two groups was similar in terms of age, gender, place of residence, educational level, marital status, occupational status, race, intravenous injection site and severity of phlebitis on the first day, and no significant difference was observed (p>0.05). However, independent t‐test results confirmed that the severity of phlebitis was significantly different between the intervention and control groups on the third, fifth and seventh days (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, topical application of sesame oil could accelerate the healing process of phlebitis due to the injection of anti‐neoplastic agents.