Investigating the Relationship Between the Time and Duration of Movement on Bowel Movements and Pain After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Correlational Study

Background: Postoperative mobilization is a crucial aspect of nursing care, and delays in mobilization can lead to numerous adverse outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the initial mobilization time following laparoscopic cholecystectomy on patient pain and bowel motility. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 94 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the general surgery clinic of a university hospital between November 2022 and March 2023, who met the research criteria. Data were collected using the personal information form and the Visual Pain Scale. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A sustainable, moderately significant relationship was found between the initial mobilization time after surgery and the first gas discharge and first defecation status (r = 0.502, P < 0.00; r = 0.503, P < 0.05, respectively). As the mobilization time decreased, the times for first gas discharge and defecation also decreased. Additionally, a moderately significant statistical relationship was observed between the initial mobilization time after surgery and pain levels at the 8th and 24th hours, as well as the number of analgesics used (r = 0.510, P < 0.05; r = 0.502, P < 0.00; r = 0.574, P < 0.05, respectively). As the mobilization time decreased, both the pain level and the amount of analgesics used decreased. Conclusions: The study determined that the initial mobilization time of participants after surgery positively affected bowel motility, reduced pain, and decreased the amount of analgesics used.