Randomized Controlled Trial of a Natural Food-Based Fiber Solution to Prevent Constipation in Postoperative Spine Fusion Patients.

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.

• Authors: Deborah Wittig-Wells, Pam Sapp, Melinda Higgins, Erica Davis, Jessica Carter, Ani Jacob
• Journal: Orthopedic nursing (Orthop Nurs) 2019 Nov/Dec Vol. 38 Issue 6 Pg. 367-372 ISSN: 1542-538X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31764900 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Analgesics, Opioid
• Laxatives
• Pharmaceutical Preparations

Topics

• Aged
• Analgesics, Opioid (therapeutic use)
• Constipation (prevention & control)
• Defecation (drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Laxatives (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Orthopedic Nursing
• Pharmaceutical Preparations
• Postoperative Period
• Spinal Fusion (adverse effects)
• Surveys and Questionnaires