Cold Water Gargling After Major Abdominal Surgery

The Effect of Cold Gargling on Oral Dryness, Thirst Severity, and Patient Satisfaction in Patients Who Have Undergone Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of cold water gargling on postoperative oral dryness, thirst severity, and patient satisfaction in patients who underwent major abdominal surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (cold water gargling) or the control group (standard care). Thirst severity and oral dryness were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-10) at postoperative 8, 12, and 24 hours. Perioperative thirst-related discomfort was evaluated using the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (PTDS; score range 0-12), and patient satisfaction was assessed using a VAS (0-10) at postoperative 24 hours. The study was conducted at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine Gevher Nesibe Hospital, General Surgery Clinic. A total of 88 patients were enrolled (44 per group). The study aimed to provide evidence for a simple, low-cost nursing intervention to improve postoperative patient comfort.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery
• Able to communicate verbally
• Willing to participate and provided written informed consent
• No restriction on gargling (intact swallowing reflex)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of oral mucositis, oral ulceration, or any oral pathology
• History of dysphagia or swallowing difficulties
• Presence of nausea or vomiting preventing gargling
• Altered level of consciousness or inability to cooperate
• Receiving intravenous fluid therapy that resolves thirst symptoms
• Patients who required reoperation during the study period
• Patients transferred to the intensive care unit postoperatively