Patients Complaints Associated with Mechanical Bowel Preparation Before Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Quasi-Experimental Hospital-Based Study

Background: Beside changes in blood values and electrolytes, complaints can occur during bowel preparation. Patients general condition should be assessed during bowel preparation. Objectives: To determine patients complaints associated with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before elective colorectal surgery. Methods: This quasi - experimental, hospital - based study was conducted at the General Surgery Clinic of Adnan Menderes University Hospital, Turkey. The study sample included of 64 elective colorectal surgery patients who were scheduled for a MBP in the preoperative period. The inclusion criteria were as follows: voluntary participation in the study, aged 18, conscious and oriented to place, time, and person, mobilized and not global, or receive aphasia. The exclusion criteria were as follows: fever in preoperative period, receive any cardiac agent in preoperative period. Pain, fatigue, and sleep quality were assessed 1 hour before MBP. The fleet enema was applied rectally in the left lateral position. Patients mobilized for bowel contents evacuation after 8 - 10 minutes at the end of MBP and patients were placed in semi-Fowler’s position (30°) after taking the bed. Patients were assessed in terms of nausea, vomiting, change of taste in mouth, abdomen cramp, abdomen pain, bloating, stomach ache, sweating, palpitation, dyspnea, and vertige at specified times. Results: Before MBP, mean pain, fatigue score, and sleep quality were 3.693.20, 4.283.6, and 6.693.2, respectively. The most reported complaints just right after, 20 and 40 min after MBP were stomach ache, sweating, abdomen cramp, bloating, and palpitation, respectively. The most reported complaints 60 minutes after MBP were stomach ache, abdomen cramp, bloating, sweating, and palpitation, respectively. Additionally, an increase in stomach ache, abdomen cramp, bloating, sweating and palpitation were observed related on MBP. The results showed that stomach ache, palpitation, bloating, sweating and abdomen cramp complaints were significantly different over time, from 1 hour before MBP to 60 min after MBP (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Serious complaints such as palpitation, sweating and etc. developed associated with MBP. Study results proved that disadvantage is gained by MBP before elective colorectal surgery. Carefully, patients assessment during and after MBP will be of a benefit to clinicians in terms of quality of care, patients follow-up, and surgical outcomes.