Effects of intestinal management optimization program on preventing postoperative constipation in patients with intracranial tumor

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of intestinal management optimization program on preventing postoperative constipation in patients with intracranial tumor. Methods Totally 60 patients who were admitted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January and April 2018 and conformed to the inclusion criteria were selected into the control group using convenient sampling, who received conventional nursing care for neurosurgical patients to prevent constipation. Another 60 patients who were admitted from May to August 2018 and conformed to the inclusion criteria were selected into the observation group, who received constipation prevention and control using the intestinal management optimization program, including dynamic evaluation of intestinal function, intestinal function recovery program and online and offline interactive health education. Constipation symptom scores, incidence rate of constipation, utilization rate of laxatives and incidence rate of headache while defecation 1 week after surgery were compared between the two groups. Results One week after surgery, the constipation symptom score of the observation group was (3.43±3.55) , lower than that of the control group (P=0.004) , which was (5.52±4.16) . The incidence rate of constipation and utilization rate of laxatives were 18.33% and 15.00%, both lower than those of the control group (P=0.015, 0.019) , which were 38.33% and 33.33%. The incidence rate of headache while defecation was 13.33%, lower than that of the control group (P=0.043) , which was 28.33%. Conclusions The intestinal management optimization program for patients with intracranial tumor helps to recover intestinal function postoperatively, prevent and reduce postoperative constipation, reduce the incidence and exacerbation of headache while defecation, and ensure patients' safety. Key words: Intracranial neoplasms; Constipation; Intestinal management; Intestinal function; Health education