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Evaluation of Thirst Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 247 - 255, 29.08.2025
https://doi.org/10.56061/fbujohs.1691951

Abstract

Thirst is a common symptom in surgical patients in the postoperative period and has a negative biopsychosocial impact on patients. The study was conducted to determine thirst symptoms and factors affecting thirst in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. This descriptive study was conducted with the participation of 125 patients who were hospitalized in the general surgery clinic of a university hospital between 3 September 2023 and 1 March 2024 and underwent abdominal surgery. Ethics committee and institutional permissions were obtained prior to the study and the patients were informed about the study and their written consent was obtained. ‘Patient Information Form’ and “Thirst Symptom Assessment Scale” were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U test, Spearman Correlation Analysis and Kruskal Wallis tests in SPSS 27.0 software. It was found that 60.0% of the patients were male, the mean age was 57.9±12.3 years and 51.2% underwent intestinal surgery. The mean score of the Patients' Thirst Symptom Evaluation Scale was found to be 10.2±5.7. It was found that the thirst status of the patients varied according to the presence of chronic disease (p=0.035), the surgical procedure (p<0.001) and type of surgery (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between preoperative thirst duration (p<0.001), and postoperative thirst duration (p=0.007) and the mean scores of the Thirst Symptom Assessment Scale. Thirst levels of patients undergoing abdominal surgery were found to be below average. The presence of chronic disease, type of surgical procedure, and type of surgery, preoperative and postoperative thirst duration were the factors affecting the thirst of the patients.

Ethical Statement

Ethics committee permission (Date: 22.06.2023 and number: PR0465R0) and written permission (Date: 23.08.2023 and number: E-79056779-600-501827) were obtained from XXX University Rectorate Institute of Health Sciences Ethics Committee and XXX University Hospital administration, respectively

Supporting Institution

No funding has been reported

Thanks

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References

  • Ak, E.S., Türkmen, A., Sinmaz, T., & Biçer, Ö.S. (2023). Evaluation of thirst in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. J Perianesth Nurs, 38(3), 448-453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2022.08.007.
  • Belete, K.G., Ashagrie, H.E., Workie, M.M., & Ahmed, S.A. (2022). Prevalence and factors associated with thirst among postsurgical patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital. Institution-based cross-sectional study. J Patient Rep Outcomes, 6, 69. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41687-022-00476-5.
  • Clark, J., & Archer, S.K. (2022). Thirst interventions in adult acute care—what are the recommended management options and how effective are they? a systematic review. Dimens Crit Care Nurs, 41(2), 91-102. https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000511.
  • Conchon, M.F., & Fonseca, L.F. (2018). Efficacy of an ice pop sicle on thirst management in the immediate postoperative period: a randomized clinical trial. J Perianesth Nurs, 33(2), 153–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2016.03.009.
  • Conchon, M.F., Nascimento, L.A., Fonseca, L.F., & Aroni, P. (2015). Perioperative thirst: an analysis from the perspective of symptom management theory. Rev Esc Enferm USP, 49(1), 120-6. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000100016.
  • Doi, S., Nakanishi, N., Kawahara, Y., & Nakayama, S. (2021). Impact of oral care on thirst perception and dry mouth assessments in intensive care patients: An observational study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 66,103073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103073
  • Eng, S.H., Jaarsma, T., Lupón, J., González, B., Ehrlin, J., & Díaz, V., Bayes-Genis A, Waldréus N (2021). Thirst and factors associated with frequent thirst in patients with heart failure in Spain. Heart Lung, 50(1), 86-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.08.002.
  • Gan, H., Liu, H., Huang, H., & He, M. (2024). The prevalence and risk factors for postoperative thirst: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Perianesth Nurs, 39(6), 1062-1068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2024.01.026.
  • Hammer, S., Reinbacher, P., & Schittek, G.A. (2024). Sense for thirst. Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 80, 103564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103564.
  • Hüppe, M., Kemter, A., Schmidtke, C., & Klotz, K.F. (2013). Postoperative complaints gender differences in expectations, prevalence and appraisal. Anaesthesist, 62(7), 528-536. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00101-013-2182-x.
  • Jien, H., & Xiaohua, L. (2021). Laparoscopic versus open surgery in the treatment of hepatic hemangioma: a meta-analysis. Medicine, 100(8), e24155. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000024155.
  • Jin, B., Chen, M. T., Fei, Y. T., Du, S. D., & Mao, Y. L. (2018). Safety and efficacy for laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy: a meta-analysis. Surgical Oncology, 27(2), A26-A34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suronc.2017.06.007.
  • Martins, P.R., Fonseca, L.F., & Rossetto, E.G. (2017). Developing and validating the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale. Rev Esc Enferm USP, 51, e03240. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-220X2016029003240.
  • Moon, Y.H., Lee, Y.H., & Jeong, I.S. (2015). A comparison of effect between wet gauze with cold normal saline and wet gauze with cold water on postoperative thirst, oral cavity condition, and saliva pH. J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs, 22(4), 398-405. https://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2015.22.4.398.
  • Nascimento, L.A.D., Conchon, M.F., Garcia, A.K.A., Lopes, M.V.D.O., & Fonseca, L.F. (2023). Clinical validation of the nursing diagnostic proposition perioperative thirst. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem, 31, e3974. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.6621.3974.
  • National Health Service (NHS). (2022). Diabetes insipidus. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes-insipidus/
  • Özsoy, H., Güreş, Z., Dolgun, E., & Yavuz Van Giersbergen, M. (2023). Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale. Fırat Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Tıp Dergisi, 37(3), 237-242.
  • Öztaş, B., Öztaş, M., Yılmaz Şahin, S., İyigün, E., & Alkuş, Ü. (2022). Assessing thirst symptom of patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a scale development study. Turk J Colorectal Dis, 32, 48-53. https://doi.org/10.4274/tjcd.galenos.2021.2021-5-7.
  • Piccoli, C., Carine Bald, J., Garcia Paiano da Silva, L.A., Ignácio Alves, D.C., dos Santos, A., & de Oliveira Azevedo Matos, F.G. (2023). Assessment of the intensity and discomfort of the thirst of patients in the immediate postoperative period. Rev. Enferm. UFSM, 13, e28, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179769274281.
  • Rızalar, S., Aydemir, A., & Yıldızeli Topçu, S. (2019). Investigation of fasting and thirst levels of surgical patients in preoperative and postoperative periods. Journal of Health and Life Science, 1(2), 32–36. https://doi.org/10.33308/2687248X.201912153.
  • Sato, K., Okajima, M., & Taniguchi, T. (2019). Association of persistent intense thirst with delirium among critically ill patients: a cros sectional study. J Pain Symptom Manage, 57, 1114-1120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.02.022.
  • Sebaee, H.A.A., & Elhadary, S.M. (2017). Effectiveness of a care bundle on postoperative thirst relief and oral condition among patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 6(5), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.9790/1959-0605048290.
  • Silva, L.C.J.R., Aroni, P., & Fonseca, L.F. (2016). I am thirsty! Experience of the surgical patient in the perioperative period. Rev SOBECC, 21(2), 75-81. https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1414-4425201600020003.
  • Tsai, H.Y., Chao, A., & Hsiao, W.L. (2022). The effectiveness of cold oral stimuli in quenching postoperative thirst: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 75, 103359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103359.
  • Türk, K.E., & Erkan, S. (2024). Determination of thirst symptoms and related factors in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 17(3), 445-455.
  • Yemina, L., Pangaribuan, S.M., Butar-butar, S. (2023). Effect of chewing gum on thirst in kidney failure patients: review. Jurnal Keperawatan Komprehensif, 9(2), 221-229. https://doi.org/10.33755/jkk.v9i2.504.
  • Zeng, Z., Lu, X., Sun, Y., & Xiao, Z. (2024). Exploring thirst incidence and risk factors in patients undergoing general anesthesia after extubation based on ERAS principles: a cross-sectional study. BMC Anesthesiol, 24(1), 287. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-024-02676-6.
  • Zheng, Y., Chen, Q., Xia, C., & Liu, H. (2025). Thirst symptoms in patients with heart failure: an integrative review. J Adv Nurs, 81(1), 35-52. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16250.

Abdominal Cerrahi Uygulanan Hastalarda Susuzluk Semptomunun Değerlendirilmesi

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 247 - 255, 29.08.2025
https://doi.org/10.56061/fbujohs.1691951

Abstract

Susuzluk, cerrahi hastalarında postoperatif dönemde sık gözlenen bir semptomdur ve hastaları biyopsikososyal açıdan olumsuz etkilemektedir. Çalışma abdominal cerrahi uygulanan hastalarda susuzluk semptomu ve etkileyen faktörleri belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Tanımlayıcı tipteki bu çalışma 3 Eylül 2023 - 1 Mart 2024 tarihleri arasında bir üniversite hastanesinin genel cerrahi kliniğinde yatarak tedavi edilen ve abdominal cerrahi işlem uygulanan 125 hastanın katılımıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma öncesinde etik kurul ve kurum izinleri alınmış ve hastalar çalışma hakkında bilgilendirilerek yazılı izinleri alınmıştır. Veri toplamada “Hasta Bilgi Formu” ve “Susuzluk Semptomunu Değerlendirme Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 27.0 programında Mann Whitney U testi, Spearman Korelasyon Analizi ve Kruskal Wallis testleri kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Hastaların %60,0’ının erkek ve yaş ortalamasının 57,9±12,3 olduğu ve %51,2’sine bağırsak cerrahisi uygulandığı saptanmıştır. Hastaların Susuzluk Semptomunu Değerlendirme Ölçeği puan ortalamaları 10,2±5,7 olarak belirlenmiştir. Hastaların kronik hastalık varlığına (p=0,035), uygulanan cerrahi işleme (p<0,001) ve ameliyat türüne (p<0,001) göre susuzluk durumlarının değişkenlik gösterdiği bulunmuştur. Ameliyat öncesi susuzluk süresi (p<0,001) ve ameliyat sonrası susuzluk süresi (p=0,007) ile Susuzluk Semptomunu Değerlendirme Ölçeği puan ortalamaları arasında pozitif yönlü bir ilişki saptanmıştır. Abdominal cerrahi uygulanan hastalarının susuzluk düzeyleri ortalamanın altında bulunmuştur. Kronik hastalık varlığı, ameliyat türü, cerrahi işlem türü ve ameliyat öncesi ve sonrası susuzluk süresi hastaların susuzluğunu etkileyen faktörlerdir.

References

  • Ak, E.S., Türkmen, A., Sinmaz, T., & Biçer, Ö.S. (2023). Evaluation of thirst in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. J Perianesth Nurs, 38(3), 448-453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2022.08.007.
  • Belete, K.G., Ashagrie, H.E., Workie, M.M., & Ahmed, S.A. (2022). Prevalence and factors associated with thirst among postsurgical patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital. Institution-based cross-sectional study. J Patient Rep Outcomes, 6, 69. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41687-022-00476-5.
  • Clark, J., & Archer, S.K. (2022). Thirst interventions in adult acute care—what are the recommended management options and how effective are they? a systematic review. Dimens Crit Care Nurs, 41(2), 91-102. https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000511.
  • Conchon, M.F., & Fonseca, L.F. (2018). Efficacy of an ice pop sicle on thirst management in the immediate postoperative period: a randomized clinical trial. J Perianesth Nurs, 33(2), 153–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2016.03.009.
  • Conchon, M.F., Nascimento, L.A., Fonseca, L.F., & Aroni, P. (2015). Perioperative thirst: an analysis from the perspective of symptom management theory. Rev Esc Enferm USP, 49(1), 120-6. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000100016.
  • Doi, S., Nakanishi, N., Kawahara, Y., & Nakayama, S. (2021). Impact of oral care on thirst perception and dry mouth assessments in intensive care patients: An observational study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 66,103073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103073
  • Eng, S.H., Jaarsma, T., Lupón, J., González, B., Ehrlin, J., & Díaz, V., Bayes-Genis A, Waldréus N (2021). Thirst and factors associated with frequent thirst in patients with heart failure in Spain. Heart Lung, 50(1), 86-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.08.002.
  • Gan, H., Liu, H., Huang, H., & He, M. (2024). The prevalence and risk factors for postoperative thirst: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Perianesth Nurs, 39(6), 1062-1068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2024.01.026.
  • Hammer, S., Reinbacher, P., & Schittek, G.A. (2024). Sense for thirst. Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 80, 103564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103564.
  • Hüppe, M., Kemter, A., Schmidtke, C., & Klotz, K.F. (2013). Postoperative complaints gender differences in expectations, prevalence and appraisal. Anaesthesist, 62(7), 528-536. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00101-013-2182-x.
  • Jien, H., & Xiaohua, L. (2021). Laparoscopic versus open surgery in the treatment of hepatic hemangioma: a meta-analysis. Medicine, 100(8), e24155. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000024155.
  • Jin, B., Chen, M. T., Fei, Y. T., Du, S. D., & Mao, Y. L. (2018). Safety and efficacy for laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy: a meta-analysis. Surgical Oncology, 27(2), A26-A34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suronc.2017.06.007.
  • Martins, P.R., Fonseca, L.F., & Rossetto, E.G. (2017). Developing and validating the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale. Rev Esc Enferm USP, 51, e03240. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-220X2016029003240.
  • Moon, Y.H., Lee, Y.H., & Jeong, I.S. (2015). A comparison of effect between wet gauze with cold normal saline and wet gauze with cold water on postoperative thirst, oral cavity condition, and saliva pH. J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs, 22(4), 398-405. https://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2015.22.4.398.
  • Nascimento, L.A.D., Conchon, M.F., Garcia, A.K.A., Lopes, M.V.D.O., & Fonseca, L.F. (2023). Clinical validation of the nursing diagnostic proposition perioperative thirst. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem, 31, e3974. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.6621.3974.
  • National Health Service (NHS). (2022). Diabetes insipidus. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes-insipidus/
  • Özsoy, H., Güreş, Z., Dolgun, E., & Yavuz Van Giersbergen, M. (2023). Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale. Fırat Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Tıp Dergisi, 37(3), 237-242.
  • Öztaş, B., Öztaş, M., Yılmaz Şahin, S., İyigün, E., & Alkuş, Ü. (2022). Assessing thirst symptom of patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a scale development study. Turk J Colorectal Dis, 32, 48-53. https://doi.org/10.4274/tjcd.galenos.2021.2021-5-7.
  • Piccoli, C., Carine Bald, J., Garcia Paiano da Silva, L.A., Ignácio Alves, D.C., dos Santos, A., & de Oliveira Azevedo Matos, F.G. (2023). Assessment of the intensity and discomfort of the thirst of patients in the immediate postoperative period. Rev. Enferm. UFSM, 13, e28, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179769274281.
  • Rızalar, S., Aydemir, A., & Yıldızeli Topçu, S. (2019). Investigation of fasting and thirst levels of surgical patients in preoperative and postoperative periods. Journal of Health and Life Science, 1(2), 32–36. https://doi.org/10.33308/2687248X.201912153.
  • Sato, K., Okajima, M., & Taniguchi, T. (2019). Association of persistent intense thirst with delirium among critically ill patients: a cros sectional study. J Pain Symptom Manage, 57, 1114-1120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.02.022.
  • Sebaee, H.A.A., & Elhadary, S.M. (2017). Effectiveness of a care bundle on postoperative thirst relief and oral condition among patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 6(5), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.9790/1959-0605048290.
  • Silva, L.C.J.R., Aroni, P., & Fonseca, L.F. (2016). I am thirsty! Experience of the surgical patient in the perioperative period. Rev SOBECC, 21(2), 75-81. https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1414-4425201600020003.
  • Tsai, H.Y., Chao, A., & Hsiao, W.L. (2022). The effectiveness of cold oral stimuli in quenching postoperative thirst: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Intensive Crit Care Nurs, 75, 103359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103359.
  • Türk, K.E., & Erkan, S. (2024). Determination of thirst symptoms and related factors in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 17(3), 445-455.
  • Yemina, L., Pangaribuan, S.M., Butar-butar, S. (2023). Effect of chewing gum on thirst in kidney failure patients: review. Jurnal Keperawatan Komprehensif, 9(2), 221-229. https://doi.org/10.33755/jkk.v9i2.504.
  • Zeng, Z., Lu, X., Sun, Y., & Xiao, Z. (2024). Exploring thirst incidence and risk factors in patients undergoing general anesthesia after extubation based on ERAS principles: a cross-sectional study. BMC Anesthesiol, 24(1), 287. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-024-02676-6.
  • Zheng, Y., Chen, Q., Xia, C., & Liu, H. (2025). Thirst symptoms in patients with heart failure: an integrative review. J Adv Nurs, 81(1), 35-52. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16250.
There are 28 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Surgical Diseases Nursing​​
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Figen Dığın 0000-0003-1861-0221

Zeynep Kızılcık Özkan 0000-0003-1892-241X

Zeliha Mayda 0000-0002-8175-5952

Publication Date August 29, 2025
Submission Date May 5, 2025
Acceptance Date July 4, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 5 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Dığın, F., Kızılcık Özkan, Z., & Mayda, Z. (2025). Evaluation of Thirst Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery. Fenerbahçe University Journal of Health Sciences, 5(2), 247-255. https://doi.org/10.56061/fbujohs.1691951