The Effect of Abdominal Massage in Preventing Constipation After Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review

To evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal massage in preventing postoperative constipation among orthopedic surgery patients based on evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for studies published in Turkish or English between 2014 and 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials. A total of 4,517 records were identified, and five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

The included studies consistently demonstrated that abdominal massage significantly reduced constipation symptoms, increased bowel movements, and improved patients' quality of life. Although the timing, frequency, and duration of massage interventions varied across studies, all reported positive outcomes. Patients who received abdominal massage experienced earlier bowel movements and reduced reliance on laxatives compared with those receiving routine care.

Abdominal massage appears to be an effective, safe, and promising non-pharmacological intervention for preventing and managing postoperative constipation in orthopedic surgery patients. By promoting bowel function, it may contribute to enhanced patient comfort and recovery. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish standardized protocols regarding the optimal timing, frequency, duration, and technique of abdominal massage in postoperative care.