DOI: 10.1177/03601293261458814 ISSN: 0360-1293

Effect of Warm Fennel Compress Combined With Abdominal Massage on the Prevention of Functional Constipation After Spinal Surgery

Sheng-Qing Luo, Chun-Yan Chen, Hai-Ling Chen, Hai-Feng Huang, Ye-Mei Liang
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Objective

This study evaluated the efficacy of a warm fennel compress combined with abdominal massage in the prevention and management of constipation in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

Methods

A total of 326 patients undergoing spinal surgery were enrolled. Patients in the intervention group received a warm fennel compress combined with abdominal massage using lubricating oil, in addition to routine nursing guidance for constipation prevention. Patients in the control group received routine nursing guidance for constipation prevention with abdominal massage alone.

Results

Compared with the control group, the intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative abdominal distension [61.96% vs. 80.37%, χ 2  = 13.454, p  < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.22–0.59] and related gastrointestinal symptoms (6.13% vs. 17.18%, χ 2  = 9.651, p  = 0.020, OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.15–0.68). For the primary outcome (third postoperative day first bowel movement rate), the intervention group achieved a notably higher rate than the control group (80.37% vs. 69.94%, χ 2  = 4.747, p  = 0.028, OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.06–2.92). The intervention group also had a 100% first flatus rate at all postoperative time points, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (all p  < 0.001). No adverse events related to the interventions occurred in either group.

Conclusion

The combination of a warm fennel compress and abdominal massage was shown to be an effective approach for preventing and managing constipation in patients undergoing spinal surgery. This intervention is accessible, cost-efficient, practical, safe, and effective. Shortening the length of hospitalization contributes to improved ward-bed turnover and reduced hospital costs and aligns with the current diagnosis-related group (DRG) medical insurance payment model.

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