E-ISSN 2757-9204

Journal of Education and Research in Nursing

Effect of Abdominal Massage on Constipation after Cardiac Surgery [J Educ Res Nurs]
J Educ Res Nurs. 2024; 21(4): 319-324 | DOI: 10.14744/jern.2024.90907

Effect of Abdominal Massage on Constipation after Cardiac Surgery

Gamze Ataman Yıldız1, Fadime Çınar2, Ersin Kadiroğulları3, Fatma Eti Aslan4
1Department of Nursing, Bahcesehir Universty, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
2Department of Nursing, Nişantaşı University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
3Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
4Department of Nursing, Bahcesehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye

Background: Although the incidence of gastrointestinal complications after cardiovascular surgery is rare, patients have been reported to experience constipation in the week following discharge.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of abdominal massage on constipation after cardiac surgery.

Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in the cardiovascular surgery clinic of Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital between September 2022 and July 2023. A total of 130 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group using a simple randomization method. Abdominal massage was performed on the experimental group, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected from the first day after surgery using a 21-item questionnaire. The first flatulence and defecation times of the patients were assessed and recorded.

Results: The mean age of the experimental group was 55.2 ± 13.3 years, while the mean age of the control group was 60.4 ± 10.6 years (P = 0.015). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. Bowel sounds began earlier in the experimental group (70.8% on the first postoperative day) compared to the control group (46.2% on the first postoperative day) (X2 = 16.629; P = 0.005). The first flatulence time in the control group (x̄ = 46.415 hours) was higher than in the experimental group (x̄ = 31.262 hours). Postoperative defecation time was longer in the control group (x̄ = 99.51 hours) compared to the experimental group (x̄ = 61.611 hours).

Conclusion: Abdominal massage has been shown to positively impact the prevention of constipation in patients after cardiac surgery. It is a non-invasive, easy-to-apply, and reliable method recommended for use in postoperative care.

Keywords: Abdominal massage, cardiac surgery, constipation, nursing care, patient care

Corresponding Author: Gamze Ataman Yıldız
Manuscript Language: English
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Journal Citation Indicator: 0.18
CiteScore: 1.1
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