The effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain and distension after colonoscopy

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain and distension after colonoscopy. Material and Methods: It was conducted between June 2021 and December 2021 in the endoscopic unit of surgical clinic of a university hospital and private hospital in the west of Turkey with 123 patients undergoing colonoscopy. The study consisted of three different groups. After colonoscopy, the 1st group was massaged for 15 minutes, the 2nd group was given a 15-minute position, first left and then right, and the 3rd group was allowed to rest in the supine position. Before and after the colonoscopy procedure, the patients' VAS pain and comfort levels, abdominal circumference measurements, bowel sounds, flatulence and vital signs were questioned. Anxiety status of the patients was evaluated with STAI I – II before the procedure and before discharge. Results: In the study, it was found that the VAS pain scores and abdominal circumference measurements decreased more than the other groups 15 minutes after being taken to the recovery unit in the massaged group(p<0.05). It was determined that VAS comfort scores increased more than the other groups (p<0.05). However, It was determined that VAS comfort scores increased more than the other groups (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the flatulance state and the time period 15 minutes after being taken to the recovery unit (p<0.05). While STAI-II scores were similar in all groups before and after colonoscopy, STAI-I scores were higher before colonoscopy. Conclusion: As a result of the research; It was observed that the highest decrease in VAS pain scores and abdominal circumference measurements in the massage group was 15 minutes after the recovery unit. It was determined that VAS comfort scores increased at the highest rate in this time period. In the group given massage and positioning, bowel sounds and flatulence were found in all patients 15 minutes after they were taken to the recovery unit. Key words: Colonoscopy, abdominal massage, position, pain, distension