The Effect of Oral Fluid Consumption on Intestinal Motility After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Oral fluid intake after laparoscopic cholecystectomy affects intestinal motility. The aim of this study was to investigate how oral fluid intake affects intestinal motility. The descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery between October 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected with a form prepared by the researchers. Postoperative patients were interviewed face-to-face, and patients who were discharged early were interviewed by telephone. The mean amount of fluid consumed by the patients on the first postoperative day was 839.16±604.22 mL, 1665.83±672.61 mL on the second day, and 2070±666.58 mL on the third day. On the second and third days, there was a significant negative correlation between the amount of fluid consumed and the duration of flatulence at a moderate level, and a significant negative correlation between the duration of defecation at a high level. From this study, it is concluded that the amount of liquid consumed on the first day has no effect on the duration of flatulence and fecal expulsion, while the duration of flatulence and fecal e xpulsion shortens as the amount of liquid consumed on the second and third days increases.