Authors

  1. Wittig-Wells, Deborah
  2. Sapp, Pam
  3. Higgins, Melinda
  4. Davis, Erica
  5. Carter, Jessica
  6. Jacob, Ani

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Constipation after orthopaedic surgery occurs frequently, likely due to a combination of high levels of opioid medications for severe pain management and mobility limitations after surgery. It can result in serious complications, increased cost, and patient discomfort.

 

PURPOSE: This study evaluated a natural food-based fiber solution to prevent constipation in postoperative orthopaedic patients.

 

METHODS: A posttest control group-randomized study design was used. Dependent variables were presence of postoperative constipation, time to first bowel movement (BM), and total number of postoperative BMs. Descriptive statistics, Student's t tests, and Mann-Whitney nonparametric 2-group tests with chi-square analysis were used. Level of significance for all tests was p < .05. Forty-six participants were evaluated.

 

RESULTS: Ages were similar for both the intervention and control groups. Bowel Function Index (BFI) scores were not significantly different (p = .448). No significant group differences were present for the individual BFI item scores (p > .05). The number of patients with a BM during the first 3 days was not significantly different (p = .489). There were no significant differences found between the 2 groups regarding laxative administration (p > .05 for all laxatives).

 

CONCLUSION: Further studies are indicated that address natural fibers and pharmaceutical methods for the prevention of constipation after spinal surgery.