The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Gastric Problems in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Randomized Controlled Study

Many system functions differ in children dependent on mechanical ventilation support and may present with various complications. In the gastrointestinal system, gastric and duodenum-related decreased motility disorders are a very common problem in critically ill patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit, which increases mortality and morbidity. The prevalence of gastric dysmotility in pediatric intensive care is estimated to be 50%. Gastric problems such as vomiting, increase in the amount of gastric residue, decrease in bowel movements, abdominal distension, diarrhea/ constipation, etc. are observed as a result of the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system. In addition to these problems; there are problems associated with the ventilator such as pneumonia, infection, bacterial growth, and stopping enteral feeding. Malnutrition as a result of stopping feeding prolongs the hospitalization of intensive care patients and affects mortality. Intensive care nurses play a key role in providing nutritional support to patients who receive mechanical ventilation support and whose level of consciousness is reduced. Intensive care nurses have many responsibilities such as timely initiation of nutrition, application of correct nutrition, correct placement of feeding tubes, and prevention of problems that may arise as a result of nutrition. Abdominal massage practice is a therapeutic, independent, and evidence-based nursing intervention. It has been used for many years to increase the motility of the gastrointestinal system and to treat constipation. Inexpensive and easy to apply abdominal massage compared to other methods; It increases intestinal motility, accelerates the mechanical advancement of nutrients in the digestive system, improves the blood flow of the region, and is effective in reducing intra-abdominal pressure. It has been reported in the literature that abdominal massage applied to preterm babies increases nutritional tolerance. Studies on adults have a