Constipation prophylaxis in children undergoing orthopedic surgery: A quasi-experimental study

Laila Sara Mantegazzi1, Brigitte Seliner2, Lorenz Imhof3

  • 1APN in Continence Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich.

Insights

Implementing standardized constipation prophylaxis supported by advanced practice nurses significantly reduced constipation in pediatric orthopedic patients. This intervention is crucial for improving patient care in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Care

Background:

  • Constipation is a common issue in pediatric orthopedic patients.
  • Effective prophylaxis strategies are needed to manage this complication.
  • The role of advanced practice nurses in implementing care protocols is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of constipation prophylaxis in pediatric orthopedic patients.
  • To assess the impact of advanced practice nurse support on prophylaxis outcomes.
  • To determine if a standardized approach to constipation prevention improves patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A quasi-experimental study design was employed.
  • A historical control group (112 patients) was compared with an intervention group (59 patients).
  • The study was conducted in a surgical ward in Switzerland, focusing on pediatric patients aged 1-18.

Main Results:

  • The standardized constipation prophylaxis resulted in a 27% absolute risk reduction of constipation.
  • A statistically significant difference in constipation prevalence was observed between the groups (p = .001).
  • The intervention demonstrated a clear positive impact on reducing constipation incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Constipation prophylaxis is an essential component of care for pediatric orthopedic patients.
  • Advanced practice nurse-supported standardized prophylaxis is effective in reducing constipation.
  • This approach should be considered a necessity in pediatric orthopedic settings.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
992
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
1.2K
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
1.3K
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
824
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy01:25

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:
1.1K
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
712