Warm saline compress applied to the intestines during open abdominal surgery
The Effect of Hot Compress Applied on the Intestines on Postoperative Nausea-vomiting and Bowel Function in Abdominal Surgery
This study will try covering the exposed intestines with warm (36°C) saline during open abdominal operations in adults to see if it reduces postoperative nausea and helps bowel recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TC Erciyes University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Merkez, Kırşehir) |
| Trial ID | NCT06888154 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults undergoing elective open abdominal surgery are randomly assigned to receive either a warmed saline compress over the intestines during the operation or standard care, with an initial target of 30 patients per group and final sample size set by power analysis. The intervention uses saline heated to 36°C applied intraoperatively, and outcomes include postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to return of bowel function, and recovery quality measured by validated scales such as the QoR-15 and a gastrointestinal symptom rating tool. Data are collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively using structured forms created by the investigators. The single-center trial is conducted at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University in Turkey under sponsorship from Erciyes University.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a normal BMI (18.5–24.99 kg/m2) undergoing elective open abdominal surgery who can communicate and have no major prior gastrointestinal surgery or cognitive impairment are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior bowel resections, ostomies, emergency operations, chronic opioid use, recent abdominal radiotherapy, ICU admission, active bleeding, or chronic severe constipation are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the study intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this simple intraoperative technique could reduce postoperative nausea and speed the return of bowel function after open abdominal surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Keeping exposed intestines warm and moist is a common surgical practice and some observational reports suggest modest benefits for postoperative ileus, but randomized data on warmed saline compresses are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Abdominal surgery in the general surgery ward * 18 years of age or older * Patients with BMI in the normal range (18.50-24.99 kg/m2) * Able to communicate verbally * Those who volunteered to participate in the study * Patients with no mental confusion, conscious and oriented will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous gastrointestinal system surgery * Complications in the postoperative period * History of small bowel resection and ileostomy or colostomy * Surgical history of inflammatory bowel diseases, emergency surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, appendectomy, * Chronic opioid use, * Experiencing chronic constipation (≤ 2 bowel movements per week), * Abdominal radiotherapy * Patients admitted to intensive care unit and patients with bleeding will not be included in the study.
Where this trial is running
Merkez, Kırşehir
- Kırşehir Ahi Evran University — Merkez, Kırşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dilek TALHAOĞLU, PhD
- Email: dilektalhaoglu@gmail.com
- Phone: +905545911691
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.