Routine treatment and care of patients in the CG was continued. The onset of bowel sounds and flatus requires the initiation of oral fluid and nutrient intake. Patients in the CG were evaluated at T0, T1, T2, and T3, and data were recorded on a data collection form.

Patients in the WG were provided warm water at the 2nd postoperative hour on the day of surgery. Patients in the WG were evaluated at T0, T1, T2, and T3 and data were recorded on a data collection form. The onset of bowel sounds and flatus requires the initiation of oral fluid and nutrient intake. No other water or food was provided to patients who had no bowel sounds or flatus other than warm water.

Patients in the Warm Water Group (WG) received a warm water drinking intervention post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Before intake, the bed head was elevated to 45°C, and gagging and swallowing reflexes were assessed using an Abeslang to touch the oropharynx. Nausea indicated a positive reflex. Two patients with negative reflexes were excluded from WG. To maintain water temperature, individual insulated cups with thermal features were used, preventing infection transmission. Water was boiled in a clinic kettle, cooled to 37-38°C, and given to patients to drink within 15 minutes. Swallowing ability was monitored after the first sip; successful swallowing allowed the patient to continue. Patients were observed for 15 minutes with an aspirator on standby for aspiration risks. No complications occurred during the water drinking process in WG.

The descriptive information form consisted of two parts. The first part comprised seven open-ended and five multiple-choice questions to determine the patients' descriptive characteristics. This part of the form was completed by the patients 1 day before surgery. The second part comprised nine multiple-choice questions aimed at determining the patients' surgical characteristics. This diagnostic information was provided by the researcher.

The postoperative measurement and evaluation form included nine open-ended and seven multiple-choice questions designed to determine the vital signs and GI functions of the patients. Patients were evaluated during the postoperative period and the findings are presented in the relevant sections.