Coffee Consumption After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Effect of Postoperative Coffee Consumption on Bowel Motility and Length of Hospital Stay Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Postoperative ileus and delayed bowel recovery remain common concerns following laparoscopic hysterectomy despite enhanced recovery protocols. Coffee consumption has been suggested as a simple, safe, and inexpensive intervention that may stimulate gastrointestinal motility and accelerate postoperative recovery. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of postoperative coffee consumption on bowel function recovery and length of hospital stay in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to either a coffee intervention group receiving standard postoperative care plus coffee at predetermined postoperative time points or a control group receiving standard postoperative care alone. The primary objective is to determine whether postoperative coffee consumption improves bowel recovery and shortens hospitalization.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive gynecological procedures. Although enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have improved postoperative outcomes, delayed gastrointestinal recovery and postoperative ileus continue to affect patient recovery, comfort, and hospital length of stay.

Coffee contains several bioactive compounds that may stimulate gastrointestinal motility through multiple physiological mechanisms, including increased gastrin secretion, activation of the gastrocolic reflex, and enhanced colonic motor activity. Previous clinical studies have suggested that postoperative coffee consumption may accelerate bowel function recovery after abdominal surgery; however, evidence specific to laparoscopic hysterectomy remains limited.

This single-center, randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of postoperative coffee consumption in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Fifty eligible participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group or a control group using block randomization. Participants in the intervention group receive standard postoperative care together with 100 mL of soluble coffee prepared with hot water at postoperative hours 6, 12, and 18, whereas participants in the control group receive standard postoperative care alone.

The study evaluates postoperative bowel recovery by assessing bowel sounds, passage of flatus, passage of stool, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, distension-related pain, and length of hospital stay. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding a simple, low-cost, and feasible nursing intervention that may improve postoperative recovery following laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18 years or older.
• Scheduled for elective laparoscopic hysterectomy.
• Able to consume oral fluids according to the ERAS protocol.
• Able to communicate in Turkish.
• Willing to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Emergency surgery.
• Known allergy or intolerance to coffee or caffeine.
• Gastrointestinal diseases or conditions affecting bowel motility.
• Postoperative complications requiring intensive care or preventing oral intake.
• Withdrawal of informed consent at any stage of the study.