Effectiveness of Acupressure on Post-Cesarean Bowel Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

In cesarean delivery, factors such as general anesthesia affect bowel function, leading postpartum women to experience abdominal tenderness, gas, and constipation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the impact of acupressure on bowel function after cesarean delivery.

DESIGN

A randomized-controlled experimental study was conducted.

PARTICIPANTS

The study population comprised postpartum women who underwent cesarean delivery at Ondokuz Mayıs University Health Practice and Research Hospital between July 2021 and January 2022. The sample consisted of 61 postpartum women (acupressure group: 31, control group: 30).

INTERVENTION: Participants were divided into two groups: the acupressure group and the control group. Women in the acupressure group received 14 minutes of acupressure application to the LI4 and TH6 points twice, once within the first postoperative hour and again three hours later. The control group received no acupressure intervention.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected using a Postpartum Information Form and a Post-cesarean Follow-up Form. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t test, and chi-squared analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of postpartum women in the acupressure group was 27.61±4.39, while in the control group, it was 28.50±3.85. The mean times for bowel sounds, flatulence, and bowel movements in the acupressure group (9.98±2.77, 19.43±10.25, and 27.13±10.77 hours, respectively) were significantly shorter than those in the control group (14.41±5.07, 23.33±4.20, and 46.16±17.95 hours, respectively) (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Acupressure was found to be effective in improving bowel function after cesarean delivery, significantly reducing the time taken for participants to experience bowel sounds, flatulence, and bowel movements.