CompletedNot Applicable

Care Package for Postoperative Constipation

Turkey (Türkiye)102 participantsStarted 2023-01-01

Plain-language summary

Background: Postoperative constipation is a common complication. The effectiveness of a care package constituting warm water intake, abdominal massage, and a high-fiber diet has not been investigated in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Aim: the investigators determined the effects of a care package, including warm water intake, abdominal massage, and high-fiber diet, on constipation prevention, aiming to improve patient quality of life during the postoperative period and support nurses in clinical practice. Study design: This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial of patients hospitalized in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of a state hospital between September 15, 2022, and April 30, 2023. Overall, 102 patients were randomly assigned to study and control groups. Routine clinical practice was maintained for patients in the control group, whereas a care package constituting postoperative warm water intake, abdominal massage, and a high-fiber diet was provided to those in the study group. Data was collected using the 'Constipation Risk Assessment Scale' and 'Visual Analog Scale'. Constipation severity was evaluated by administering the scales one day before surgery (T0) and one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and four (T4) days postoperatively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20.0; IBM, Canada). Statistical significance was set at p \< 0.05.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * aged ≥ 18 years, * undergoing elective orthopedic surgery, * able to read and write in Turkish, * without any psychiatric illness or reception of psychiatric medications * without chronic constipation or reception of constipation medications * without abdominal wounds * mobilization in the preoperative period * without bandages or wraps on the arm and hand that would hinder answering questions * ASA score \<III, * willing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * patients * immobilized for ≥ 2 days postoperatively, * with ileus within the first three days postoperatively, * discharged or transferred to another service before three days postoperatively, * unable to tolerate oral intake due to reasons such as a nasogastric tube or trauma-related jaw and mouth injuries in the postoperative period, * who voluntarily withdrew from the study at any stage after volunteering to participate.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Part 1: Demographic Characteristics Form:

Timeframe: up to 4 weeks

Part 2: Constipation Risk Assessment Scale

Timeframe: up to 4 weeks

Part 3: Visual Analog Scale (VAS):

Timeframe: up to 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06399133

SponsorKubra KAYA

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-02-27

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Care trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.