The effect of abdominal massage applied after surgery on gastrointestinal symptoms and comfort level

Abdominal massage is a nonpharmacological and safe independent nursing intervention used to manage gastrointestinal symptoms after surgical intervention. This study was conducted to determine the effects of abdominal massage on gastrointestinal symptoms and comfort levels in patients who underwent abdominal massage after surgical intervention.

The sample of the randomized controlled experimental study consisted of 68 patients: 34 experimental patients and 34 control patients, who underwent inpatient surgery at the orthopedics and traumatology clinic of a university hospital between September 2022 and September 2023, and did not defecate in the first 3 days after surgery. Data were collected via the Patient Information Form, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Bristol Stool Scale, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and General Comfort Scale (GCS). Patients in the experimental group received abdominal massage for 15 min twice daily, in the morning and evening, on the 5th and 6th days, starting from the morning of the 4th day. Patients in the control group received only routine pharmacologic treatment according to the physician's order on the 5th and 6th days, starting from the morning of the 4th day. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, Spearman correlation, and Bonferroni post hoc test.

The mean age of the patients was 60.29 ± 13.86 years, and 7.9% were female. The groups were not significantly different regarding individual or disease characteristics, gastrointestinal symptoms, or habits (p > 0.05). The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms decreased, and the general comfort level increased in the experimental and control groups. The mean score of the General Comfort Scale for Coping with Problems subscale was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05).

This study highlights the novel and practical contribution of a nonpharmacological method, such as abdominal massage, in postoperative care. Abdominal massage can replace pharmacologic methods, achieve similar effects, and increase patient comfort and independence. In this context, healthcare team members may recommend abdominal massage for gastrointestinal symptom management and increasing comfort after surgical intervention.

Clinical trials: NCT05750186, registered on 01.03.2023.