Hot Compress Application in Open Abdominal Surgery

This study aims to evaluate the effect of hot compress application to the intestines during abdominal surgery on postoperative nausea-vomiting and bowel function.

Volunteers will be randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Initially, 30 patients will be included in each group, and the study will be completed based on the effect size determined by power analysis.

Hypotheses:

H0: Covering the intestines with saline heated at 36°C during surgery has no effect on postoperative nausea and vomiting.

H1: Covering the intestines with saline heated at 36°C during surgery affects postoperative nausea and vomiting.

H01: Covering the intestines with saline heated at 36°C during surgery has no effect on postoperative bowel function.

H11: Covering the intestines with saline heated at 36°C during surgery affects postoperative bowel function.

Inclusion Criteria:

Undergoing abdominal surgery in the general surgery ward, Aged 18 years or older, Having a BMI between 18.50-24.99 kg/m², Able to communicate verbally, Willing to participate in the study, Conscious and oriented patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

History of previous gastrointestinal surgery, Postoperative complications, History of small bowel resection, ileostomy, or colostomy, History of emergency surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, appendectomy, or inflammatory bowel disease, Chronic opioid use, Chronic constipation (≤ 2 bowel movements per week), History of abdominal radiotherapy, Admission to the intensive care unit or postoperative bleeding.

Application:

Intervention Group: Routine preoperative procedures will be performed. During surgery, the intestines will be covered with sterile gauze soaked in saline heated at 36°C to prevent drying and reduce the risk of infection. Routine postoperative procedures will also be applied.

Control Group: Routine preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures will be applied. During surgery, the intestines will be covered with sterile gauze soaked in unheated saline, following standard practice.

Outcome Measures:

Primary Outcome: Gastrointestinal function assessment index, including time to first flatulence, first defecation, first normal bowel sounds, and first consumption of liquid/semi-solid food.

Secondary Outcome: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal bloating, pain, and vomiting.