Abdominal Massage Research Articles

Effect of abdominal massage on prevention of aspiration in intubated and enterally fed patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Background Aspiration is a serious side effect of delayed gastric emptying and increased residual volume in intensive care patients. Aspiration can increase the risk of pneumonia and death. Currently, pharmaceutical methods are the most commonly used techniques for decreasing aspiration, but non-pharmaceutical methods may also be effective in reducing aspiration. One of these methods is an abdominal massage. The present study aimed to examine the effect of abdominal massage on aspiration incidence in intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube. Methods This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Seventy intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube were chosen by convenience sampling and allocated to an intervention or a control group by the minimization method. The intervention group was provided with a 15-min abdominal massage twice a day for 3 days, while the control group received only routine cares. The patients' respiratory secretion was suctioned before and after the intervention, and immediately after suctioning, the incidence of the aspiration was assessed using special strips which are sensitive to respiratory secretion pH and glucose. SPSS 18 was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used. T independent, Mann-Whitney U, χ2, and Fisher exact tests were used to compare two groups. Results The incidence rates of the aspiration were 5.7% (confidence interval: 0.0-14.3%) and 20% (confidence interval: 8.6-34.3%) in the abdominal massage and the control groups, respectively. The incidence of aspiration differed between two groups, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.07). Conclusion Although the low rate of aspiration in the abdominal massage group did not differ significantly with that of the control group, it can be clinically important. It is suggested that further studies be conducted to confirm the effect of abdominal massage on the prevention of aspiration in intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube.

Effectiveness of acupoint pressure on older people with constipation in nursing homes: a double-blind quasi-experimental study

Aims: To compare the differences between acupoint pressure, abdominal massage and laxatives in treatment of constipation for residents in two nursing homes. Background: There is lack of evidence on the utility of complementary therapies in the management of constipation among older adults. Design: Quasi-experimental. Methods: A total of 90 participants from two nursing homes in Taiwan were assigned to three groups: the control group (with laxatives only), group I (with laxatives and abdominal massage) and group II (with laxatives, acupoint pressure therapy [APT] and abdominal massage). The intervention was performed over 10 days. A double-blind technique was applied in both participants and the outcome assessors. Constipation as main outcome was evaluated and recorded for 10 days. Observation of the frequency of defecation and the consistency, particularly firmness of faeces over each 24 h’ period was recorded. The Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) checklist was utilised in reporting methods and findings. Results: Three variations were revealed as interface factors and showed significant differences in each group. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in constipation in the experimental groups I and II. The scores of defecation frequency, difficulty degree and time of defecation, stool quality and awareness of defecation were obviously improved after treatment. Conclusions: We concluded APT could be used in conjunction with laxatives and must be considered as a long-term intervention. The combination of APT, abdominal massage and laxatives is superior to both abdominal massage with laxatives and laxatives alone. Relevance to clinical practice: Acupoint pressure as an effective complementary therapy of constipation among older adults living in nursing home provides a non-pharmacological, independent nursing intervention that nurses could use. This is relevant to nursing home settings where nurses make autonomous decision on important clinical assessments and interventions.

Comparison of Connective Tissue Manipulation and Abdominal Massage Combined With Usual Care vs Usual Care Alone for Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine and compare the effects of connective tissue manipulation (CTM) and abdominal massage when combined with usual care on the symptoms of constipation and quality of life (QoL) immediately following a 4-week treatment in patients suffering from chronic constipation. MethodsA total of 60 patients with chronic constipation were randomly assigned to CTM, abdominal massage, or control groups. Connective tissue manipulation and abdominal massage were conducted at 5 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Each session was approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The severity of constipation by the Constipation Severity Instrument, symptoms of constipation by a bowel diary and Bristol Stool Scale, and QoL by patient assessment of QoL questionnaire were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks. ResultsThere were significant differences in the changes in constipation severity (P < .001), symptoms of constipation (P ≤ .001), and QoL (P < .001) among the 3 groups. However, based on pair-wise analysis, there were no significant differences in the changes of the severity and symptoms of constipation and QoL between the CTM and abdominal massage groups (P > .05). ConclusionThe findings of the present study revealed that compared to usual care alone, the combination of usual care and CTM or abdominal massage may be more beneficial for chronic constipation. However, the superiority of CTM or abdominal massage was not observed. Further high-quality studies with long-term follow-up are needed to investigate the optimal massage therapy program in patients with chronic constipation.

Using Abdominal Massage to Reduce Gastric Residual Volume Among Critically Ill Patients by Nurses in a Tertiary Health Institution in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State

One of the major problems of hospitalized critically ill patients is nutrition. Meeting the daily nutritional requirements to prevent malnutrition and problem related to it. Early enteral feeding is recommended as first line of nutrition therapy for critically ill patients, although enteral feeding is often complicated with intolerance and aspiration as a result of high gastric residual volume. Abdominal massage is a technique used in improving digestive function. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of abdominal massage as a means of reducing gastric residual volume (GRV) in critically ill patients among nurses and doctors. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and non-experimental study. This study sample comprised 73 nurses in the units where critically ill patients are kept such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), and Neuro-Surgery department of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos. Questionnaire was the instrument used to elicit responses from the respondents. The study was carried out within the ambit of the range of ethics considerations. Convenience sampling technique was adopted in gaining access to the participants. Findings from this study reveal the importance of the use of abdominal massage, and the non-practice of the method in addressing abdominal problems, even though, awareness of it was high. Reasons attributable to use of other means such as aspiration of excess GRV with NG tube were provided. There was poor knowledge of the signs of high GRV that would necessitate abdominal massage. Keywords: Abdominal massage, critically ill patients, nurses, gastric residual volume, DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-14-03 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

The Effects of Abdominal Massage on the Management of Constipation: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

The Effects of Abdominal Massage on the Management of Constipation: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Effect of dietary n-3 series fatty acids on sperm motility duration of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792)

Objective: This study was performed to determine the effect of different ratios of n-3 series fatty acids added to the diets of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) on sperm motility duration.Methods: A total of 48 male rainbow trouts about 3 years of age were used in the study and 4 groups were formed. The one that n-3 series fattyacids were not added to the diet was used as control group. n-3 series fatty acids were added to the experimental groups diets at the ratiosof 1% (E1), 2% (E2) and 3% (E3), respectively. Semen was collected by abdominal massage. The time-dependent sperm motility change wasdetected under the microscope at x400 magnification.Results: A significant decrease was detected in the motility only at 360th hour in E3 group compared to the control group (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusion: As a result, it was concluded that feeding with diets containing different ratios of n-3 series fatty acids had no effect on the motilityof rainbow trout semen under in vitro condition.

Classification of Neonatal Mortality Risk Factors

Background: The efforts to reduce neonatal mortality were not optimal as targeted by MDGS’s 2015. The number revealed, seen from the mortality rate of neonatal, is still quite high. This study aims to determine and to classify the risk factors of neonatal mortality in Situbondo district based on neonatal factors, maternal factors, and health care factors. Method: a retrospective descriptive research with survey research design and secondary data was used. The population of this study were neonates who died at RSUD Dr. Abdoer Rahem Situbondo period 2015-2016 in total sampling according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The number of samples that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria was 50 people. Result: The results showed that of 50 neonatal mortality consisted of 46 (92%) early neonatal mortality and 4 (8%) late neonatal mortality. Neonatal mortality were most common in neonates of male sex, low body weight, premature, and asphyxia. Based on maternal factors, neonatal mortality occurs in mothers of &lt;20 and&gt; 35 years of age, primary education, housewives, less family income, less or more nutritional status, abdominal massage history, incomplete ANC, women with no previous birth (nulliparous) and deliver normally. Conclusion: Factors affecting neonatal mortality are classified into three components, namely neonatal factors, maternal factors and health service factors.

How adding the abdominal massage to polyethylene glycol can improve symptom and quality of life in patients with functional constipation in comparison with each one of the treatment modalities alone: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundA variety of medical and non-medical treatments have been introduced for functional constipation relief. Here, we aimed to compare the efficacy of a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and abdominal massage with each one of the treatments alone. Materials and methodsPatients with functional constipation based on Rome IV criteria were randomly assigned into the three treatment groups: group A (abdominal massage for 15 min daily), group B (PEG 20 g daily), and group C (PEG 20 g plus abdominal massage for 15 min daily) for 14 days. PAC-QOL questionnaire, Bristol stool scale were evaluated at baseline and two weeks after treatment. Constipation-associated symptom scores were recorded at baseline, two weeks and four weeks after treatment beginning. Descriptive statistics were provided as the mean ± standard deviation or number and percentage. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsForty eight, 47 and 48 patients in group A, B, and C completed the study, respectively. PAC-QOL, Bristol and Constipation-associated symptom scores showed a significant improvement in all study groups two weeks after the treatment compared to the baseline. At the end of treatment, the rate of straining, incomplete evacuation sensation, finger evacuation and the number of defecation was significantly lower in the group C (P < 0.04). Bristol score were significantly improved in group B (P = 0.029) in compare to other groups. The total quality of life score was also significantly improved in the group C (P = 0.028). ConclusionA combination of abdominal massage and PEG is safe, tolerable and more effective than each one of the treatments alone.

Comparisons between Manual Lymph Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Electrical Stimulation on Functional Constipation Outcomes: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Background: Evidence supports abdominal massage (AM) or electrical stimulation (ES) as effective in treating functional constipation (FC). Manual lymph drainage (MLD) may also be beneficial, however, it was not previously investigated or compared to ES and AM. Methods: Sixteen college-aged males and 36 females were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to MLD, AM or ES. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures for total power (TP), high frequency (HF), low frequency and LF/HF ratio assessed ANS outcomes. state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and stress response inventory (SRI) assessed psychological factors and bowel movement frequency (BMF) and duration (BMD) were recorded daily. Results: MLD significantly improved all ANS measures (); AM significantly improved LF, HF and LF/HF ratios (p = 0.04); and ES significantly improved LF (p = 0.1). STAI measures improved, but not significantly in all groups. SRI improved significantly from MLD (p < 0.01), AM (p = 0.04) and ES (p < 0.01), but changes were not significant between groups. BMD improved significantly in all groups ( 0.02). BMF improved significantly only following MLD and AM (p < 0.1), but differences between groups were not significant (p = 0.39). Conclusions: MLD significantly reduced FC symptoms and MLD had greater improvements than AM or ES.

Effect of licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on some semen traits for local black turkey males

This study was conducted at the poultry farm for department of Allatefya Researches, Agricultural and biological researches directorate, ministry of sciences and technology, during the period from 20/8/2019 to 28/12/2019. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract on some semen traits for local black turkey males. A total of 36 local Iraqi turkey males in 44 weeks old were used in this study. The turkey males were randomly distributed on 4 treatments, each treatments consisted of 9 birds depends on level of licorice addition. Birds were fed during the experimental period on diet contain 2950 Kcal metabolic energy / kg and 18 % crude protein/ kg. Licorice extract was added with drinking water for three levels 5g, 10g, and 15g to treatments T2, T3 and T4 respectively. While T1 treatment stay without any addition as control group. The birds were housed in ground pens (cages) during this study. Semen was collected after ganders trained for two weeks to give semen before the collection began, the semen collection by using abdominal massage procedure. The characteristics were investigated were ejaculate volume, individual motility, mass motility, sperm concentrations, percentage of dead spermatozoa, deformation spermatozoa ratio and spermatocrit. Results revealed that T4 (15 g per liter) recorded highest values in all traits except in deformation spermatozoa ratio as compared with other treatments (T1, T2 and T3) in most of all experimental period. On the other hand T3 (10 g per liter) achieved high significant effect compared with T2 (5 g per liter) and T1 (0 g per liter), whereas T1 recorded lowest values during all experimental period. However, the overall means of all traits achieved the same trend of treatments effect. While deformation spermatozoa ratio trait had not significant affects recorded from licorice extract addition on this study.

Randomised controlled trial of a comprehensive protocol for preventing constipation following total hip arthroplasty.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a comprehensive protocol for constipation prevention. Constipation is a common problem for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet sparse evidence is available to guide constipation prevention after THA. Randomised controlled superiority clinical trial. This randomised controlled study was carried out according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). A total of 80 THA patients were randomised to receive only preoperative education about lifestyle or the combination of education with postoperative abdominal massage and polyethylene glycol 4,000 (Forlax®). Efficacy outcomes included rates of postoperative constipation and enema rescue, as well as time to first postoperative defecation and readmission within 30days. Safety outcomes were number and type of adverse events. Patients who received combination treatment showed a significantly lower rate of postoperative constipation during hospitalisation than patients who received only preoperative education (25% versus 55%), and they showed a significantly lower rate of enema rescue (12.5% versus 40%). Many more patients receiving combination treatment experienced their first defecation within two postoperative days than patients who received only preoperative education (62.5% versus 35.9%). In contrast, the two groups were similar in terms of constipation rate on postoperative days 15 and 30, rate of readmission within 30days and rate of postoperative adverse events. These results suggest that our comprehensive protocol can relieve constipation after THA, reduce the need for enema rescue and shorten time to first defecation without sacrificing safety. More work is needed to optimise and develop this protocol further. Constipation is a distressing problem that frequently occurs after THA. This study confirmed that a comprehensive protocol including preoperative education, postoperative abdominal massage and polyethylene glycol 4,000 can effectively relieve constipation after THA without sacrificing safety.

Gökkuşağı Alabalığının (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Sperm Kalitesinde Bilgisayarlı Otomatik Sperm Analiz Sisteminde (CASA) Leja ve Makler Lamlarının Performansının Karşılaştırılması

In this study, the effect of the chamber used for the automated analysis of sperm motility and sperm kinematics parameters by CASA was evaluated of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperms. The assessment of motility parameters was carried out using CEROS II (Hamilton-Thorne, Beverly, MA, USA) connected to CX41 microscope (Olympus, Japan) at room temperature. Sperm samples were collected from five adult males by abdominal massage during the reproduction season and analyzed with two different chambers as follows specialty: Leja 2 cell chambered with 20 µl deep (Leja Products, Netherlands) and Makler chamber, round shape with 10 µl deep (Sefi-Medical Instrument, Haifa, Israel). Total sperm motility (Mot, %), and Velocity of Curvilinear (µm/s) were measured. For fertilization test, eggs from one female (550 g approximately 7500 eggs) were separated in equal five parts. Each part of eggs (approximately 1.500 eggs) was fertilized with each analyzed sperm (5ml). Fertilization, incubation procedure and calculation of fertilization rates have been kept as used routinely for rainbow trout culture procedure. The fertilization rates were found ˃80% for all used males. The motility percentage of samples analyzed by Leja has been found higher 90% while by makler changed between 26-45%. There is significantly effect on different chambers used in this study to determining the motility percentage. The high stability results and matched the fertilization success were detected in Leja 2-chamber. Statistical study with motility percentage showed a significant difference between Leja and Makler chambers (p<0,05).

Quercetin supplemented casein-based extender improves the post-thaw quality of rooster semen

The advantageous influence of quercetin (Q) supplementation in an extender has not yet been evaluated for rooster semen cryopreservation. This research was purposely conducted in order to assess the effect of different quercetin concentrations added into an extender on the sperm quality of the rooster subsequent to a freezing-thawing process. After the freezing-thawing process, spermatozoa quality parameters (membrane functionality, acrosome integrity, motility, viability, and abnormal morphology), endogenous enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), mitochondrial activity, DNA fragmentation index, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and ROS were all evaluated. A total of 75 neat pooled ejaculates (3 ejaculates/rooster) were collected from 25 arbor acres roosters (24 wks) twice a week using abdominal massage technique, then divided into five equal aliquots and diluted with an extender containing different doses of Q (CS-Q) as follows: casein extender without Q (control only), casein extender containing 0.040 mg/mL quercetin (CS-Q 0.040), 0.020 mg/mL quercetin (CS-Q 0.020), 0.010 mg/mL quercetin (CS-Q 0.010), and 0.005 mg/mL quercetin (CS-Q 0.005). Our results depicted that adding to the extender with a 0.010 mg/mL Q enhanced (P < 0.01) sperm motility, membrane function, viability, mitochondrial activity, intact acrosome (P < 0.05), SOD (P < 0.001), CAT, and GPx (P < 0.01) compared to the control group at post-thaw. Compared to the control group and other treatment groups after the freeze-thawing process, the addition of 0.005 mg/mL Q into the extender also showed higher (P < 0.05) improvement in the quality of sperm parameters and a higher (P < 0.01) SOD and CAT but did not improve mitochondrial activity and sperm viability. In addition, there was a lower degree of DNA fragmentation index, lower (P < 0.05) lipid peroxidation and ROS in frozen-thawed sperm treated with 0.010 mg/mL and 0.005 mg/mL Q than in control and the other treatment groups. In addition, 0.020 mg/mL Q supplementation into the extender also reduced DNA fragmentation and improved GPx activity compared to the control group at post-thaw. Different concentrations of Q 0.010 and 0.005 mg/mL added to the extender reduced the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa compared to the other groups. The results of this study showed for the first time that the inclusion of an extender with a suitable quercetin concentration of 0.010 mg/mL improved the post-thawed quality of rooster semen.

Effect of Abdominal Massage on Uterine Involution

Effect of Abdominal Massage on Uterine Involution

Nonpharmacological Clinical Effective Interventions in Constipation: A Systematic Review.

To identify nonpharmacological clinically effective interventions for constipation in adults. A systematic review of experimental studies of nonpharmacological interventions addressing participants' management of constipation using samples of adults over 18 years of age was conducted. In evaluating the methodological quality of the eligible studies, we used the assumptions of the Cochrane Collaboration, and for the reporting of items in the systematic review we used the Model of Preferential Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The protocol of this review was recorded in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews of the University of York under number 43693. This review included 12 randomized controlled trials. Nonpharmacological effective interventions for the resolution of constipation were identified: individualized intervention based on the participant's modifiable risk factors of constipation promoting literacy in health; educational measures in dietary modification and lifestyle; and abdominal massage. Specific nonpharmacological interventions are crucial for nurses' clinical practice and of major importance for clients and families. Evidence on these interventions in resolving constipation is still scarce and fails to provide evidence-based data to support nursing clinical practice. Personal lifestyles, comorbidities, medication, and sedentary habits are likely to be risk factors in constipation. Thus, it is important to invest in nonpharmacological interventions that promote changes in behavior regarding prevention or resolution of constipation. Moreover, nursing researchers worldwide should conduct research for clinical practice regarding the fundamentals of care.

The Effect of Educational Program for New Mothers about Infant Abdominal Massage and Foot Reflexology for Decreasing Colic at Najran City

ABSTRACT As part of an emerging movement in complementary therapy, the practice of infant foot reflexology and abdominal massage is gaining widespread acceptance as a therapeutic approach to the relief of infantile colic. The objective of the current research is to offer an evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practice amongst new mothers in relation to infant massage and reflexology. Specifically, the intention is to apply any insights gained to the establishment of appropriate educational programmes in line with the requirements of new mothers. This is to be achieved through the appraisal of any perceived improvements in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of new mothers following the completion of any programme. A quasi-experimental design is adopted in this research and applied in the setting of the outpatient clinic at the University Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample, comprising sixty-two new mothers, all of whom have infants ranging in age from one month to four months. All the infants experience colic. The first instrument employed in this research comprises a structured interview wherein interviewees are presented with a two-part sheet. Section one is devoted to the obtaining of socio-demographic data regarding the mothers and the infants, whilst section two consists of a questionnaire devoted to gauging the level of knowledge of new mothers. The second research instrument is an observation checklist aimed at evaluating the practical skills of new mothers, whereas the third research tool employed in this study is a Likert scale which judges the attitudes of new mothers toward foot reflexology and abdominal massage. The findings of the research reveal that most new mothers demonstrated improvements to their attitudes, knowledge, and practice following the programme. Specifically, there was found to be statistically significant correlation between the age, educational level, and work experience of new mothers and their scores for attitudes, knowledge, and practices. Hence, it was possible to conclude that educational programmes for new mothers can augment their knowledge, refine their practices and improve their attitudes in respect of abdominal massage and foot reflexology as a means of treating colic in infants. Thus, the authors recommend that educational programmes constitute a significant means by which abdominal massage and foot reflexology can be promoted as a therapy for the treatment of colic.

Inseminação artificial em codornas através de diferentes métodos de coleta de sêmen

Objetivou-se avaliar diferentes métodos de coleta de sêmen em codornas e a possível viabilidade da inseminação artificial. Foram utilizados dois métodos de coleta: método 1: Massagem abdominal no macho, e método 2: Massagem abdominal na fêmea após a cópula do macho. Foram utilizadas 16 fêmeas e 13 machos da espécie Coturnix coturnix coturnix, com idade de 10 semanas. No primeiro método, o macho selecionado foi estimulado com a técnica massagem abdominal, fazendo-o liberar uma secreção espumosa pelas glândulas para cloacais e seu aparelho reprodutivo, a qual era coletada em uma seringa descartável de insulina de 1 ml, sendo posteriormente aplicada imediatamente na região da vagina de cada dupla de fêmeas do método 1. Já no segundo método 2, foi realizada a cópula do macho selecionado nas fêmeas manequins, onde as mesmas receberam uma massagem abdominal para a retirada do ejaculado do macho. Os ovos de cada método foram marcados e incubados durante 18 dias. Houve um índice de fertilidade de 0% no método 1, e de 4.88% no método 2. Após o insucesso nas taxas de fertilidade e viabilidade, procuraram-se os testes para detecção dos espermatozoides no sistema reprodutivo do macho através de cortes histológicos. Chegou-se à conclusão previa os métodos de inseminação artificial não foram eficientes por não exercerem a pressão necessária para viabilizar o espermatozoide. Dessa forma, os métodos de coleta de sêmen e inseminação artificial aplicado obtiveram índices indesejáveis, logo não são métodos viáveis de manejo reprodutivo em codornas.

The Effect of Effleurage Abdominal Massage to Prevent Constipation in Inpatient Department Bali International Medical Centre Hospital Kuta

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to identify the use of effleurage abdominal massage to prevent constipation for patients who are hospitalized because of orthopedic surgery in Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) Hospital Kuta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Ten respondents were assigned to the intervention group and received standard therapy (fluid and fiber intake) with effleurage abdominal massage. Another ten respondents were assigned to the control group and received only standard therapy. Massage was applied for 15 minutes a day and continued for three days. Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) was used to measure constipation score. Data were collected three days after therapy on each groups then analized using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney Test. RESULT: According to Mann-Whitney Test, there was a significant difference in constipation status after three days intervention given to each group (p = 0023). Regarding constipation status, there was no significant difference at baseline between intervention group and control group (p = 0.874). The intervention group was observed to have a lower constipation score after the effleurage abdominal massage (p = 0.047). However, the control group showed no significant difference in constipation status before and after standard intervention (p = 0.317). CONCLUSION: Effleurage abdominal massage is observed to be effective in preventing constipation in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

The Effect of Abdominal Massage on the Feeding Tolerance of Neonates with Very Low Birth Weight

Background: Functional immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract in premature infants can cause several problems, leading to feeding intolerance. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of abdominal massage on the feeding tolerance of neonates with very low birth weight. Methods: This randomized single-blind clinical open-label trial was conducted on low-birth-weight neonates, who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of two tertiary university hospitals from March 2016 to March 2017. The neonates were randomly assigned to two groups. In the massage group, massage was applied three times a day, while in the control group, the patients received routine care. The gastric residual volume (GRV), vomiting, defecation frequency, and abdominal circumference were measured before and after massage in the massage group, as well as the control group. Results: There was no significant difference between the massage and control groups regarding gender, birth weight, age, feeding mode, and gestational age (P = 0.711, 0.076, 0.082, 0.612, and 0.629, respectively). None of these variables changed significantly in the controls (P = 0.06, 0.264, 0.421, and 0.07, respectively). Conclusions: We found that premature infants who received massage therapy experienced a significant decline in GRV, vomiting frequency, and abdominal circumference and a significant increment in the defecation frequency. Therefore, abdominal massage, which results in less abdominal distension and GRV, is recommended prior to enteral feeding for infants with very low birth weight.

Laceration of the transverse mesocolon in an old man with a habit of abdominal massage for constipation: a case report

BackgroundAbdominal massage for the resolution of constipation has been reported to be safe and recommended in some studies. It is conventionally performed for the elderly suffering from intractable constipation. Meantime, isolated mesenteric injury after blunt abdominal trauma is uncommon. Here, we report a case of isolated mesenteric injury following self-abdominal massage for constipation.Case presentationA 68-year-old man consulted a local hospital due to a sudden abdominal pain. He had a history of prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy 3 years ago, and he had been suffering from chronic constipation for many years. A plain computed tomography (CT) revealed a fist-sized homogeneous mass-like lesion located in the left upper abdomen and a moderate amount of ascites. With the initial diagnosis of a malignant tumor accompanied by peritonitis carcinomatosa, he was hospitalized for further examinations. On the next day, his hemoglobin concentration dropped from 11.6 to 6.6 g/dl, and diagnostic paracentesis showed bloody ascites. He was urgently transferred to our tertiary emergency center. An enhanced CT demonstrated a non-enhanced, homogeneous, 8.5 cm in diameter, mass lesion located to the posterior of the stomach with massive bloody ascites. He underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy, and it showed a 5 cm of laceration in the transverse mesocolon adjacent to Treitz’s ligament and approximately 1.5 l of intraabdominal hemorrhage. Hemostasis of the bleeding from the laceration was achieved by suture ligations, but the gap of the laceration could not be closed by suturing because the tissue was too fragile. Blood transfusion with 4 units of packed red blood cells and 10 units of fresh frozen plasma was performed during operation. He was discharged without any significant complications except for postoperative paralytic ileus. Later on, it turned out that he had a habit of massaging his abdomen for the resolution of intractable constipation and did it hard 1 day before the onset.ConclusionsThis is the first report of life-threatening mesenteric injury caused by self-abdominal massage to resolve constipation, though other etiologies such as rupture of small aneurysms could not perfectly be excluded. Abdominal massage is reported to be effective and safe for the resolution of constipation; however, this case demonstrated it could be detrimental.