Impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery

To analyse the impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative defecation pattern for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Constipation is a neglected problem that occurs frequently after cardiac surgery.

Descriptive study.

The study sample comprised 102 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. A Descriptive Information Form, Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, Constipation Severity Instrument, Postoperative Defecation Pattern Evaluation Form and Bristol Stool Form Scale were used for data collection and analysis.

The Constipation Severity Instrument scores of just over one-third (37·2%) of the patients who were constipated prior to surgery were higher compared to those who were not constipated. Following cardiac surgery, 39·2% of patients developed constipation and 80% of these patients were constipated prior to cardiac surgery. The findings indicate a significantly high relationship between preoperative and postoperative defecation pattern (r = 0·71, p < 0·001).

Preoperative defecation pattern is a determining factor for the development of postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

During the preoperative period, clinical nurses may evaluate the patients' defecation patterns using valid and reliable scales and follow the defecation of the patients, especially patients with defecation problems, during the postoperative period.