CompletedNot Applicable

Ear Massage Effect on Bowel Activity After Surgery

Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2025-09-10

Plain-language summary

Constipation is seen in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical interventions at rates as high as 23% to 94%. Constipation develops more frequently in individuals undergoing major orthopedic surgical interventions such as lower extremity arthroplasties and lower extremity fracture repairs. Ear massage is one of the methods that is thought to be effective in preventing or reducing constipation that may develop in the early period by activating the parasympathetic nervous system after surgical intervention, increasing intestinal peristalsis and emptying the intestinal contents. The ear both contains its own unique points and is directly or indirectly connected to 12 body meridians. Massage applied to the ear provides balance between vital energy (qi) and blood flow (yin-yang) (12). The qi of the person stimulated by massaging these points in the ear is connected to certain organs such as the intestines through channels or meridians. Thanks to this connection, bowel movements can be stimulated and constipation can be eliminated. Ear massage has the potential to be an effective non-pharmacological method for the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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: * Not signing the Informed Volunteer Consent Form, * Under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age, * Unconscious or having problems with orientation, * Those who cannot speak Turkish and do not understand it, * undergoing surgical intervention at sites other than the lower extremities, * Physician-diagnosed chronic constipation or history of diseases that may affect intestinal peristalsis (inflammatory bowel disease, presence of abdominal tumor, surgical intervention or radiotherapy to the abdominal region, presence or suspicion of ileus, and pregnancy) and regular laxative users, * Enemas administered before surgical intervention, * Patients who have problems with the transition to oral feeding and who are unable to feed orally will be included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Not signing the Informed Volunteer Consent Form, * Under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age, * Unconscious or having problems with orientation, * Those who cannot speak Turkish and do not understand it, * undergoing surgical intervention at sites other than the lower extremities, * Physician-diagnosed chronic constipation or history of diseases that may affect intestinal peristalsis (inflammatory bowel disease, presence of abdominal tumor, surgical intervention or radiotherapy to the abdominal region, presence or suspicion of ileus, and pregnancy) and regular laxative users, * Enema administered before surgical intervention, * Patients who have problems with transition…

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?

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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

Time for the return of the bowel sound

Timeframe: Up to three days

First defecation time after surgery

Timeframe: Up to three days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06862986

SponsorMersin University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Constipation trials