Effect of Abdominal Massage on the Occurrence of Constipation among Critically Ill Ventilated Patients at Intensive Care Unit

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Constipation is a major gastrointestinal and poorly recognized problem amongcritically ill patients. There are numerous problems associated with constipation for patientsadmitted to Intensive Care Unit. These complications can increase mortality and delayed weaningfrom mechanical ventilation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of abdominalmassage on the occurrence of constipation among critically ill ventilated patients at TantaIntensive Care Unit. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) affiliatedto Tanta Emergency Hospital at Tanta University Hospital. Study subjects: A purposive sampleof 60 critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation admitted to the ICU. Tools: 3 tools wereused. Tool I: Patients’ demographic characteristics and health related data. Tool II:Gastrointestinal Outcomes Assessment Tool. It included five parts: Part (A): Enteral feedingAssessment, Part (B): Gastric Residual Volume Assessment, Part (C): Abdominalcircumference assessment, Part (D): Bowel movement Assessment Part (E): Frequency ofdefecation assessment. Tool III: Constipation assessment scale. Results: more than half(53.33%) of control group had severe constipation at the 7th day of the study. While severeconstipation didn’t reported among any patients in intervention group at seventh day of study.Statistical differences were observed between two groups throughout three times of assessment.Conclusion: Abdominal massage is more efficient in decreasing constipation and its adverseeffect such as abdominal distension, circumference pressure and residual volume in theintervention sample. Recommendations: abdominal massage should be applied as a routinelycare for all patients in ICU.