Pre-op patterns can predict post-cardiac surgery constipation

(HealthDay)—For patients undergoing cardiac surgery, preoperative constipation patterns are associated with postoperative constipation patterns, according to a study published online July 12 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Emine Iyigun, R.N., Ph.D., from the Gulhane Military Medical Academy in Turkey, and colleagues conducted a descriptive study in 102 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The authors examined the impact of preoperative defecation patterns on postoperative defecation patterns.

The researchers found that 37.2 percent of the patients who were constipated prior to surgery had higher constipation severity instrument scores than those who were not constipated. Overall, 39.2 percent of patients developed constipation after surgery, and 80 percent of these patients were constipated preoperatively. A significant correlation was identified between preoperative and postoperative defecation patterns (r = 0.71; P < 0.001).

"Preoperative defecation pattern is a determining factor for the development of postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery," the authors write.