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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05287789

Effectiveness of Squatting Position on Constipation Severity and Defecation Problems

One of the most common nursing care problems after surgery is defecation problems and the risk of constipation. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the squatting position with footstool on the constipation severity and defecation problems in the postoperative period in patients with hernia surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Constipation Nursing Care Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Care Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Digestive

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Karabuk University

Karabük, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

In this study, after the surgical procedure, the patients were placed in a squatting position by placing a stool under their feet in the toilet.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Hernia surgery in the general surgery clinic
  • Between 18 and 65 years of age
  • BMI between normal and overweight (18.50-24,99 kg/m2: Normal,25-29,99 kg/m2: Overweight)
  • Being able to establish verbal communication
  • Volunteering to participate in the study
  • Absence of mental confusion
  • Having full consciousness and orientation
  • Having no communication difficulties
  • Having a constipation risk between moderate to high
  • Using a water closet type toilet at home

Exclusion criteria

  • Having a low risk of constipation
  • Patient who declined to participate in the study

Treatment and study plan

Squatting position by footstool

Other

Before the study, the height of the toilet bowls in the patient rooms was measured as 42 cm. The stools to be used for the study are manufactured by ordering laminated with white medium density fiberboard and synthetic resin resistant to harsh chemicals. Stools are made of high quality non-slip materials for patient safety.

After the first postoperative ambulation, stable patients whose bowel movements resumed met their initial defecation needs with the squatting position created using a stool at the appropriate height on the water closet type toilet.

The patients used footstools throughout a week after discharge at home and in the hospital for defecation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from before surgery in The Constipation Severity Scale (CSS) average score

    Time frame: Data were collected before surgery, post-op 1st day, post-op 2nd day and on the 7th day after discharge. All of the patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day.

    Constipation Severity Scale (CSS) aims to determine individuals' defecation frequency, intensity, and difficulty. The CSS consists of 16 items and three sub dimensions, namely Excrement Congestion, Large Bowel Laziness, and Pain. The lowest score that can be attained from the CSS is 0 while the highest score that can be attained is 73.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Difficulty pushing in defecation average score

    Time frame: Data were collected post-op 2nd day and on the 7th day after discharge. All of the patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day.

    Average score on a scale from 0 to 4. 0 I did not experience any difficulties, 1 I had mild difficulties, 2 I had some difficulties, 3 I had a lot of difficulties, 4 I experienced extreme difficulties.

  2. Duration of defecation, average minutes

    Time frame: Data were collected post-op 2nd day and on the 7th day after discharge. All of the patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day.

    The time (minutes) the patient spent defecation.

  3. Defecation pain average score

    Time frame: Data were collected post-op 2nd day and on the 7th day after discharge. All of the patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day.

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) consists of a 10 cm line used to evaluate defecation pain by scoring it between 1 and 10.

  4. Stool consistency

    Time frame: Data were collected post-op 2nd day and on the 7th day after discharge. All of the patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day.

    Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) is designed to classify the form of human faeces into seven categories. Types 1-2, hard; types 3-5, normal; types 6-7, loose/liquid

  5. Fear of pushing in defecation average score

    Time frame: Data were collected post-op 2nd day and on the 7th day after discharge. All of the patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day.

    Average score on a scale from 0 to 4. 0 No Fear, 1 Slightly Scared, 2 Slightly Scared, 3 Very Afraid, 4 Extremely Too Afraid.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Meltem Kaya

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Squatting Position on Constipation Severity and Defecation Problems in the Postoperative Period of Hernia Surgery

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Mar 18, 2022
Registry last updated
Mar 18, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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