Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that examined the effect of acupressure, a traditional and inexpensive noninvasive treatment, on postoperative ileus (POI) symptoms following a cesarean section. POI is a common problem after most abdominal surgeries, including cesarean sections, and can lead to longer hospital stays and higher medical costs.

In this study, 120 patients were divided into two groups. One group received two sessions of acupressure treatment, each lasting 20 minutes. Researchers then monitored when the patients started passing gas, when they could hear bowel sounds, when they had their first bowel movement, and how long they had to stay in bed after the operation.

The results showed that patients who received acupressure had bowel sounds return sooner, started passing gas sooner, and had a shorter stay in bed after the operation. However, there was no significant difference in the time it took for them to have their first bowel movement after the operation.

In summary, the study suggests that acupressure could potentially lessen the symptoms of POI after a cesarean section. This could be a cost-effective way to reduce the occurrence and severity of POI after this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of acupressure on postoperative ileus (POI) symptoms after a cesarean section?
  2. How does the application of acupressure influence the time to first passage of flatus and duration of postoperative bed rest after a cesarean section?
  3. Can acupressure aid in reducing the incidence and intensity of postoperative ileus after a cesarean section?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cesarean section is to consider trying acupressure as a noninvasive and low-cost treatment to help alleviate postoperative ileus symptoms. Acupressure has been shown to potentially reduce the time to presence of bowel sounds, time to first passage of flatus, and duration of postoperative bed rest after cesarean section. It can be a beneficial addition to nursing care to help improve recovery outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a cesarean section include those with certain medical conditions such as placenta previa, active genital herpes, multiple pregnancy, or certain fetal conditions that may make vaginal delivery unsafe. Additionally, women who have had a previous cesarean section or certain complications during labor may also be recommended for a cesarean section.

Timeline

  • Before cesarean section: The patient will typically undergo a pre-operative assessment, including medical history review, physical examination, and possibly blood tests. The patient may also receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure.

  • Day of cesarean section: The patient will be admitted to the hospital, prepared for surgery, and taken to the operating room. The cesarean section procedure will be performed under anesthesia, and the baby will be delivered. The patient will then be monitored closely during the immediate postoperative period.

  • After cesarean section: The patient will be moved to a recovery area for monitoring and pain management. The patient will be encouraged to start walking and deep breathing exercises to prevent complications such as postoperative ileus. The patient will gradually resume eating and drinking as tolerated. The patient will be discharged from the hospital once stable, typically within a few days.

  • Follow-up after cesarean section: The patient will have a postoperative follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to assess healing and address any concerns. The patient will be advised on postoperative care, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions. The patient may also receive guidance on breastfeeding, contraception, and emotional support.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is postoperative ileus and how common is it after cesarean section?
  2. What are the signs and symptoms of postoperative ileus that I should be aware of?
  3. How long does postoperative ileus typically last after a cesarean section?
  4. What are the risk factors for developing postoperative ileus after a cesarean section?
  5. How is postoperative ileus usually treated and managed?
  6. What is acupressure and how does it work in reducing postoperative ileus symptoms?
  7. Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with acupressure treatment?
  8. How many sessions of acupressure would I need after my cesarean section?
  9. Can acupressure be used in combination with other treatments for postoperative ileus?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to help prevent postoperative ileus after my cesarean section?

Reference

Authors: Abadi F, Shahabinejad M, Abadi F, Kazemi M. Journal: J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2017 Apr;10(2):114-119. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.11.008. Epub 2016 Dec 27. PMID: 28483182