The Impact of Preoperative Bowel Exercises on Postoperative Bowel Function in Gynecologic Malignancies

Background: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction remains a significant problem in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a preoperative exercise regimen, including abdominal massage and rectal digital stimulation, on postoperative bowel function in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled study was approved by the Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee and conducted between January 1 and August 31, 2023. Patients in the exercise group received abdominal exercises one week before surgery, including abdominal massage and rectal digital stimulation, which they practice throughout the week leading up to the operation. Patients who did not perform exercises were included in the control group. Results: A total of 97 patients were included in the study, with 51 assigned to the exercise group and 46 to the control group. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The time to first flatus, first defecation, return of normal bowel sounds, and tolerance of solid food was significantly shorter in the exercise group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of length of hospital stay (p = 0.671). Conclusions: Preoperative abdominal exercises performed before gynecologic malignancy surgeries enhance bowel motility, reduce the time to first flatus and first defecation, and expedite the patient’s ability to tolerate solid food during the postoperative period. Clinical Trial Registration: The study has been registered on https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ (registration number: NCT06113718).