ConstipationNCT06862986
Ear Massage Effect on Bowel Activity After Surgery
A study testing Ear massage in people with Constipation and Lower Extremity Surgery, run by Mersin University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Constipation is seen in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical interventions at rates as high as 23% to 94%. Constipation develops more frequently in individuals undergoing major orthopedic surgical interventions such as lower extremity arthroplasties and lower extremity fracture repairs. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Constipation, Lower Extremity Surgery
- What is being tested?
- Ear massage
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Sep 2025to 4 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Not signing the Informed Volunteer Consent Form,
- Under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age,
- Unconscious or having problems with orientation,
- Those who cannot speak Turkish and do not understand it,
- undergoing surgical intervention at sites other than the lower extremities,
- Physician-diagnosed chronic constipation or history of diseases that may affect intestinal peristalsis (inflammatory bowel disease, presence of abdominal tumor, surgical intervention or radiotherapy to the abdominal region, presence or suspicion of ileus, and pregnancy) and regular laxative users,
- Enemas administered before surgical intervention,
- Patients who have problems with the transition to oral feeding and who are unable to feed orally will be included in the study.
Who cannot join
- Not signing the Informed Volunteer Consent Form,
- Under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age,
- Unconscious or having problems with orientation,
- Those who cannot speak Turkish and do not understand it,
- undergoing surgical intervention at sites other than the lower extremities,
- Physician-diagnosed chronic constipation or history of diseases that may affect intestinal peristalsis (inflammatory bowel disease, presence of abdominal tumor, surgical intervention or radiotherapy to the abdominal region, presence or suspicion of ileus, and pregnancy) and regular laxative users,
- Enema administered before surgical intervention,
- Patients who have problems with transition to oral feeding and who cannot be fed orally will not be included in the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Ear Massage on Bowel Activity in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study
Constipation is seen in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical interventions at rates as high as 23% to 94%. Constipation develops more frequently in individuals undergoing major orthopedic surgical interventions such as lower extremity arthroplasties and lower extremity fracture repairs. Ear massage is one of the methods that is thought to be effective in preventing or reducing constipation that may develop in the early period by activating the parasympathetic nervous system after surgical intervention, increasing intestinal peristalsis and emptying the intestinal contents. The ear both contains its own unique points and is directly or indirectly connected to 12 body meridians. Massage applied to the ear provides balance between vital energy (qi) and blood flow (yin-yang) (12). The qi of the person stimulated by massaging these points in the ear is connected to certain organs such as the intestines through channels or meridians. Thanks to this connection, bowel movements can be stimulated and constipation can be eliminated. Ear massage has the potential to be an effective non-pharmacological method for the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation.
Read the detailed description
Constipation, which frequently develops after surgical intervention and is an undesirable problem, is seen at high rates ranging from 23% to 94% in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical intervention. This rate varies according to the type of surgical intervention performed and is higher especially in individuals undergoing major orthopedic surgical interventions such as lower extremity arthroplasties and lower extremity fracture repairs. Patients undergoing lower extremity surgery have mobility limitations before and after surgical intervention, prolonged fasting before surgical intervention, dietary changes, surgical intervention performed under general anesthesia, opioid/nonopioid analgesia used in pain management, inability to take the appropriate position for defecation, use of bedpan, and applications such as plaster, traction, joint prosthesis that cause limitation of movement cause constipation in patients. Constipation causes patients to face many physiologic and psychologic problems such as restlessness, abdominal tension, epigastric pain, diaphragmatic tension, hypotension, tachycardia and delays postoperative recovery.
Ear massage is one of the methods that is thought to be effective in preventing or reducing constipation that may develop in the early period by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing intestinal peristalsis and emptying the intestinal contents after surgical intervention. Anatomically, the ear is an organ with dense vessels and nerves and the only peripheral branch of the vagus nerve is located in the outer ear. Stimulation of the points on the vagus nerve in the ear with ear massage can directly activate the parasympathetic nervous system. With the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, the neural networks in the digestive system, especially the vagovagal neurocircuits, become more active. With the activation of vagovagal neurocircuits, the enteric nervous system (ENS), which provides independent functioning of the intestines and other gastrointestinal organs, is activated. The ENS, whose activation increases with this interaction, regulates electrical and chemical transmission in the digestive tract and helps the intestines to function more efficiently.
On the other hand, the ear is one of the most important organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ear both contains its own specific points and is directly or indirectly connected to 12 body meridians. Massage applied to the ear ensures balance between vital energy (qi) and blood flow (yin-yang). The qi of the person stimulated by massaging these points in the ear is connected through channels or meridians to specific organs such as the intestines. This connection stimulates bowel movements and relieves constipation.
Ear massage has the potential to be an effective non-pharmacologic method for the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation. Although there are studies in the literature showing that massages applied to different areas such as the abdomen in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery have a positive effect on gastrointestinal system functions, there is no study examining the effect of ear massage on the excretory activities of patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. Based on the aforementioned information, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of ear massage on excretory activities (return time of bowel sounds, time to first defecation, number of bowel sounds and number of laxative use) in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery, who were at high risk for the development of constipation after surgical intervention.
- Conditions
- Constipation, Lower Extremity Surgery
- Being tested
- Ear massage
- Keywords
- Ear massage, lower extremity surgery, constipation, bowel activity
- Medical subject headings
- Constipation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ear massageOther
At least one Intervention must be specified for an Interventional study. Patients included in the study group will receive ear massage in addition to the routine treatment and care practices of the clinic. Ear massage application will be started in the evening of the first day after surgical intervention (at 19:30) and will be applied twice a day at least 30 minutes after morning and evening meals (07:30 am, 19:30 pm) for 3 minutes each, similar to the literature (8,9,12). The bowel sounds of the patients will be re-evaluated before and 10 minutes after the ear massage application, and the excretory activities form will be filled out. Ear massage application will be terminated when the patient defecates or when the patient is given an enema.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | No intervention | In the clinic where the study was conducted, patients who will undergo lower extremity surgery are placed on bed rest and restricted movement before surgical intervention and hospitalized in the clinic for approximately one day to ensure optimum preparation of the patient for surgery. During this period, the constipation status of the patients before surgical intervention is evaluated and if the patients state that they are unable to defecate, an enema is administered to ensure defecation before surgical intervention. After surgical intervention, patients are on absolute bed rest for 24 hours and their first mobilization is provided upon physician's request. In this period, the first gas and defecation time of the patients are routinely recorded by the nurses in the ward, and enemas (sodium phosphate) and laxatives (lactulose) are administered to patients who do not have gas and defecation in the first 3 days after surgical intervention. In the study, no procedure other than routine t |
| Ear massage group | Experimental | At least one Intervention must be specified for an Interventional study. Patients included in the study group will receive ear massage in addition to the routine treatment and care practices of the clinic. Ear massage application will be started in the evening of the first day after surgical intervention (at 19:30) and will be applied twice a day at least 30 minutes after morning and evening meals (07:30 am, 19:30 pm) for 3 minutes each, similar to the literature (8,9,12). The bowel sounds of the patients will be re-evaluated before and 10 minutes after the ear massage application, and the excretory activities form will be filled out. Ear massage application will be terminated when the patient defecates or when the patient is given an enema. Receives: Other: Ear massage |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Time for the return of the bowel sound
The time of the first return of the bowel sounds of the patients after the surgical intervention will be recorded by asking the researcher by asking twice a day (morning-evening).
Measured: Up to three days
First defecation time after surgery
The time of the patients' first defecation time after surgical intervention will be recorded by asking the investigator by asking twice a day (morning-evening).
Measured: Up to three days
Secondary outcomes (2)
the number of bowel sounds
After the surgical intervention, the number of bowel sounds of the patients will be recorded twice a day (morning and evening) by the investigator.
Measured: up to three days
use of defecation aids
After the surgical intervention, the patients' use of defecation aids will be recorded by the investigator by asking them twice a day (morning-evening).
Measured: up to three days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Mar 2025
- Study start10 Sep 2025
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025
- Study completion4 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (9)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for ConstipationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Prospective, parallel, Two-arm, randomized controlled clinical trial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Mersin University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, sumbule koksoy vayisoglu, Mersin University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06862986
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- EarMassageMersinU
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 5 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 5 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: In order to avoid duplication, it is not intended to be shared until the research is completed.
Publications
Yue C, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xu B, Sheng H. Randomised controlled trial of a comprehensive protocol for preventing constipation following total hip arthroplasty. J Clin Nurs. 2020 Aug;29(15-16):2863-2871. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15299. Epub 2020 May 26.
PubMed 32320100Jiang ZF, Liu G, Sun XX, Zhi N, Li XM, Sun R, Zhang H. Auricular acupressure for constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2023 Oct 16;14:1257660. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1257660. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 37908337Kuo SY, Tsai SH, Chen SL, Tzeng YL. Auricular acupressure relieves anxiety and fatigue, and reduces cortisol levels in post-caesarean section women: A single-blind, randomised controlled study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2016 Jan;53:17-26. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Oct 22.
PubMed 26525188Tseng YT, Chen IH, Lee PH, Lin PC. Effects of auricular acupressure on depression and anxiety in older adult residents of long-term care institutions: A randomized clinical trial. Geriatr Nurs. 2021 Jan-Feb;42(1):205-212. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.08.003. Epub 2020 Sep 11.
PubMed 32921508Jing X, Liu J, Wang C, Ji M, Chen X, Mei Y, Zhu QR. Auricular acupressure is an alternative in treating constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:282-289. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.005. Epub 2018 Mar 14.
PubMed 29705469Nouhi E, Mansour-Ghanaei R, Hojati SA, Chaboki BG. The effect of abdominal massage on the severity of constipation in elderly patients hospitalized with fractures: A randomized clinical trial. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs. 2022 Nov;47:100936. doi: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2022.100936. Epub 2022 Feb 24.
PubMed 36274468Seyyedrassoli, A., Ghahramanian, A., Azizi, A., Goljarian, S., Gillespie, M., & Aydinferd, S. (2018). Comparison of effectiveness of reflexology and abdominal massage on constipation among orthopedic patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 5
Lee TH, Lee JS, Hong SJ, Jang JY, Jeon SR, Byun DW, Park WY, Kim SI, Choi HS, Lee JC, Lee JS. Risk factors for postoperative ileus following orthopedic surgery: the role of chronic constipation. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015 Jan 1;21(1):121-5. doi: 10.5056/jnm14077.
PubMed 25537675G Rler H, Y Ld Z FT, Bekmez F. A Common Complication in Orthopedic Patients: Postoperative Constipation and Related Risk Factors. J Perianesth Nurs. 2023 Oct;38(5):e15-e20. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.05.004. Epub 2023 Aug 12.
PubMed 37578408
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Ear Massage on Bowel Activity in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06862986
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EarMassageMersinU
- Conditions
- Constipation, Lower Extremity Surgery
- Keywords
- Ear massage, lower extremity surgery, constipation, bowel activity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Mersin UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 4 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Constipation is seen in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical interventions at rates as high as 23% to 94%. Constipation develops more frequently in individuals undergoing major orthopedic surgical interventions such as lower extremity arthroplasties and lower extremity fracture repairs. Ear massage is one of the methods that is thought to be effective in preventing or reducing constipation that may develop in the early period by activating the parasympathetic nervous system after surgical intervention, increasing intestinal peristalsis and emptying the intestinal contents. The ear both contains its own unique points and is directly or indirectly connected to 12 body meridians. Massage applied to the ear provides balance between vital energy (qi) and blood flow (yin-yang) (12). The qi of the person stimulated by massaging these points in the ear is connected to certain organs such as the intestines through channels or meridians. Thanks to this connection, bowel movements can be stimulated and constipation can be eliminated. Ear massage has the potential to be an effective non-pharmacological method for the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation.
Detailed description
Constipation, which frequently develops after surgical intervention and is an undesirable problem, is seen at high rates ranging from 23% to 94% in patients undergoing orthopedic surgical intervention. This rate varies according to the type of surgical intervention performed and is higher especially in individuals undergoing major orthopedic surgical interventions such as lower extremity arthroplasties and lower extremity fracture repairs. Patients undergoing lower extremity surgery have mobility limitations before and after surgical intervention, prolonged fasting before surgical intervention, dietary changes, surgical intervention performed under general anesthesia, opioid/nonopioid analgesia used in pain management, inability to take the appropriate position for defecation, use of bedpan, and applications such as plaster, traction, joint prosthesis that cause limitation of movement cause constipation in patients. Constipation causes patients to face many physiologic and psychologic problems such as restlessness, abdominal tension, epigastric pain, diaphragmatic tension, hypotension, tachycardia and delays postoperative recovery.
Ear massage is one of the methods that is thought to be effective in preventing or reducing constipation that may develop in the early period by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing intestinal peristalsis and emptying the intestinal contents after surgical intervention. Anatomically, the ear is an organ with dense vessels and nerves and the only peripheral branch of the vagus nerve is located in the outer ear. Stimulation of the points on the vagus nerve in the ear with ear massage can directly activate the parasympathetic nervous system. With the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, the neural networks in the digestive system, especially the vagovagal neurocircuits, become more active. With the activation of vagovagal neurocircuits, the enteric nervous system (ENS), which provides independent functioning of the intestines and other gastrointestinal organs, is activated. The ENS, whose activation increases with this interaction, regulates electrical and chemical transmission in the digestive tract and helps the intestines to function more efficiently.
On the other hand, the ear is one of the most important organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ear both contains its own specific points and is directly or indirectly connected to 12 body meridians. Massage applied to the ear ensures balance between vital energy (qi) and blood flow (yin-yang). The qi of the person stimulated by massaging these points in the ear is connected through channels or meridians to specific organs such as the intestines. This connection stimulates bowel movements and relieves constipation.
Ear massage has the potential to be an effective non-pharmacologic method for the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation. Although there are studies in the literature showing that massages applied to different areas such as the abdomen in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery have a positive effect on gastrointestinal system functions, there is no study examining the effect of ear massage on the excretory activities of patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. Based on the aforementioned information, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of ear massage on excretory activities (return time of bowel sounds, time to first defecation, number of bowel sounds and number of laxative use) in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery, who were at high risk for the development of constipation after surgical intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Prospective, parallel, Two-arm, randomized controlled clinical trial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | No intervention | –In the clinic where the study was conducted, patients who will undergo lower extremity surgery are placed on bed rest and restricted movement before surgical intervention and hospitalized in the clinic for approximately one day to ensure optimum preparation of the patient for surgery. During this period, the constipation status of the patients before surgical intervention is evaluated and if the patients state that they are unable to defecate, an enema is administered to ensure defecation before surgical intervention. After surgical intervention, patients are on absolute bed rest for 24 hours and their first mobilization is provided upon physician's request. In this period, the first gas and defecation time of the patients are routinely recorded by the nurses in the ward, and enemas (sodium phosphate) and laxatives (lactulose) are administered to patients who do not have gas and defecation in the first 3 days after surgical intervention. In the study, no procedure other than routine t |
| Ear massage group | Experimental | Other: Ear massageAt least one Intervention must be specified for an Interventional study. Patients included in the study group will receive ear massage in addition to the routine treatment and care practices of the clinic. Ear massage application will be started in the evening of the first day after surgical intervention (at 19:30) and will be applied twice a day at least 30 minutes after morning and evening meals (07:30 am, 19:30 pm) for 3 minutes each, similar to the literature (8,9,12). The bowel sounds of the patients will be re-evaluated before and 10 minutes after the ear massage application, and the excretory activities form will be filled out. Ear massage application will be terminated when the patient defecates or when the patient is given an enema. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Not signing the Informed Volunteer Consent Form,
- Under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age,
- Unconscious or having problems with orientation,
- Those who cannot speak Turkish and do not understand it,
- undergoing surgical intervention at sites other than the lower extremities,
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Not signing the Informed Volunteer Consent Form,
- Under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age,
- Unconscious or having problems with orientation,
- Those who cannot speak Turkish and do not understand it,
- undergoing surgical intervention at sites other than the lower extremities,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear massageAt least one Intervention must be specified for an Interventional study. Patients included in the study group will receive ear massage in addition to the routine treatment and care practices of the clinic. Ear massage application will be started in the evening of the first day after surgical intervention (at 19:30) and will be applied twice a day at least 30 minutes after morning and evening meals (07:30 am, 19:30 pm) for 3 minutes each, similar to the literature (8,9,12). The bowel sounds of the patients will be re-evaluated before and 10 minutes after the ear massage application, and the excretory activities form will be filled out. Ear massage application will be terminated when the patient defecates or when the patient is given an enema. | Other | Ear massage group |
Primary outcome
Time for the return of the bowel sound
Time frame: Up to three days
The time of the first return of the bowel sounds of the patients after the surgical intervention will be recorded by asking the researcher by asking twice a day (morning-evening).
First defecation time after surgery
Time frame: Up to three days
The time of the patients' first defecation time after surgical intervention will be recorded by asking the investigator by asking twice a day (morning-evening).
2 secondary outcomes
the number of bowel sounds
Time frame: up to three days
use of defecation aids
Time frame: up to three days
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Dec 2025.
- Results publication: PubMed 32320100Yue C, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xu B, Sheng H. Randomised controlled trial of a comprehensive protocol for preventing constipation following total hip arthroplasty. J Clin Nurs. 2020 Aug;29(15-16):2863-2871. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15299. Epub 2020 May 26.
- Results publication: PubMed 37908337Jiang ZF, Liu G, Sun XX, Zhi N, Li XM, Sun R, Zhang H. Auricular acupressure for constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2023 Oct 16;14:1257660. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1257660. eCollection 2023.
- Results publication: PubMed 26525188Kuo SY, Tsai SH, Chen SL, Tzeng YL. Auricular acupressure relieves anxiety and fatigue, and reduces cortisol levels in post-caesarean section women: A single-blind, randomised controlled study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2016 Jan;53:17-26. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Oct 22.
- Results publication: PubMed 32921508Tseng YT, Chen IH, Lee PH, Lin PC. Effects of auricular acupressure on depression and anxiety in older adult residents of long-term care institutions: A randomized clinical trial. Geriatr Nurs. 2021 Jan-Feb;42(1):205-212. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.08.003. Epub 2020 Sep 11.
- Results publication: PubMed 29705469Jing X, Liu J, Wang C, Ji M, Chen X, Mei Y, Zhu QR. Auricular acupressure is an alternative in treating constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:282-289. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.005. Epub 2018 Mar 14.
- Results publication: PubMed 36274468Nouhi E, Mansour-Ghanaei R, Hojati SA, Chaboki BG. The effect of abdominal massage on the severity of constipation in elderly patients hospitalized with fractures: A randomized clinical trial. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs. 2022 Nov;47:100936. doi: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2022.100936. Epub 2022 Feb 24.
- Results publicationSeyyedrassoli, A., Ghahramanian, A., Azizi, A., Goljarian, S., Gillespie, M., & Aydinferd, S. (2018). Comparison of effectiveness of reflexology and abdominal massage on constipation among orthopedic patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 5
- Results publication: PubMed 25537675Lee TH, Lee JS, Hong SJ, Jang JY, Jeon SR, Byun DW, Park WY, Kim SI, Choi HS, Lee JC, Lee JS. Risk factors for postoperative ileus following orthopedic surgery: the role of chronic constipation. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015 Jan 1;21(1):121-5. doi: 10.5056/jnm14077.
- Results publication: PubMed 37578408G Rler H, Y Ld Z FT, Bekmez F. A Common Complication in Orthopedic Patients: Postoperative Constipation and Related Risk Factors. J Perianesth Nurs. 2023 Oct;38(5):e15-e20. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.05.004. Epub 2023 Aug 12.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. In order to avoid duplication, it is not intended to be shared until the research is completed.
Related trials for Constipation
Not yet recruitingPhase 3
Rifaximin Treatment in Bloating Predominant Functional Bowel Disorders
Bloating, Rifaximin
Recruiting
Effect of Abdominal Massage Training Provided to Caregivers on Constipation Management
Constipation
Recruiting
Effects of Connective Tissue Massage Plus Biofeedback for Dyssynergic Defecation
Dyssynergic Defecation
Recruiting
Effect of a Constipation Prevention Checklist in Hip Surgery Patients
Constipation, Perioperative Nursing
RecruitingObservational study
Relationship Between Interoception and Postural Control in Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Constipation, Irritable Bowel Disease
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Ear massage in people with Constipation and Lower Extremity Surgery, run by Mersin University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Time for the return of the bowel sound (time frame: Up to three days). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06862986, which also lists 9 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Dec 2025.