Effect of Early Ambulation on Reducing Respiratory Tract Infection among Postoperative Elderly Patients with Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Abdominal surgery is one of the most frequent surgical procedures performed in age 65 and more. postoperative respiratory tract infection (RTIs) is the most common serious complication after this type of surgery with reported incidence between 17-88%. Delayed mobilization was associated with a three-fold increase in RTIs. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of early ambulation on reducing RTIs among postoperative elderly patients with abdominal surgeries. Research design: Quasi-experimental research design was utilized in the current study. Subjects: Convenient sample including 80 elderly patients male and female, classified equally into two equal groups; study group (n= 40) and control group (n= 40), were collected through one year. Setting: This study was carried out at the general surgery departments (A and C) at Minia University Hospital. Tools of data collection: three tools were utilized in collecting data. Tool I: patient interview structured questionnaire, Tool II: patient's physical and respiratory assessment; Tool III: early ambulation record. Results: current study findings revealed that the 87.5% of the study group were free from postoperative RTIs. In contrast to, 85% of the control group had postoperative RTIs. Conclusion: The current study findings concluded that, early ambulation had a synergetic positive effect on reducing postoperative RTIs, improving respiratory parameters and decreased length of hospital stay among elderly with laparotomy. Recommendations: Hospitals should recommend implementing protocols for postoperative early ambulation as a routine hospital policy among all general surgical patients in all age groups.