Effect of Implementing Acupressure Technique on Gastrointestinal Problems and Pain Control for Children Post Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Abdominal surgeries are defined as procedures carried out by surgeons for the children's abdominal regions for treating a medical condition. Pediatric surgical problems are a broad spectrum of surgical condition that occurs in children. Sometimes, it is considered a proper option of pediatric management to save children's lives and prevent and decrease disabilities and death. Aim: The study evaluates the effect of the acupressure technique on gastrointestinal problems and pain control for children post-abdominal surgeries. Methods: The design of the study was a quasi-experimental research design and used for 80 children from the Tanta Main University Hospital's pediatric surgical department. Three Tools were used to collect data: A structured Interview Schedule was used to assess the socio-demographic characteristic and medical history of children, a Rhodes index of nausea and vomiting form assessed nausea and vomiting, and a visual analog scale assessed nausea, vomiting and pain. Results: The results of the current study found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain on the first and second days following implementation. Conclusion: There are a significant improvement in the children's nausea, vomiting, and pain after abdominal surgeries. Recommendation: Acupressure should be utilized as a collaborative nursing intervention method to minimize post-operative gastrointestinal side effects (nausea and vomiting) in pediatric surgery patients.