This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led early mobilization protocol on postoperative recovery outcomes in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The outcomes assessed include walking distance, mobility levels, gastrointestinal function (time to first flatus and first defecation), nausea, vomiting, comfort, fatigue, time to initiation of oral intake, patient satisfaction, incidence of postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Research Question: In patients undergoing colorectal surgery (P), does a nurse-led early mobilization protocol (I), compared with standard mobilization practices (C), improve postoperative recovery outcomes (O), including walking distance, mobility levels, gastrointestinal function (time to first flatus and first defecation), nausea, vomiting, comfort, fatigue, time to initiation of oral intake, patient satisfaction, postoperative complication rates, and length of hospital stay?
Colorectal surgery is a commonly performed procedure in general surgery clinics and requires intensive postoperative nursing care. Despite advances in surgical techniques, postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, wound infection, paralytic ileus, and pulmonary complications remain significant challenges in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been developed to reduce the metabolic impact of surgical stress, accelerate recovery, and decrease postoperative complications. Early mobilization is a key component of ERAS pathways and is strongly recommended within the first 24 hours following elective colorectal surgery. Early mobilization has been shown to improve gastrointestinal function, reduce postoperative fatigue, shorten hospital length of stay, and enhance overall recovery. However, the implementation of early mobilization in routine clinical practice is often inconsistent. Institutional constraints, patient-related physical and psychological barriers, lack of knowledge, and negative beliefs regarding mobilization may delay postoperative activity, particularly in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Nurses play a central role in postoperative care and are well positioned to lead, coordinate, and monitor early mobilization activities. Nurse-led, structured mobilization protocols may facilitate early mobilization by providing systematic patient education, clear activity goals, and continuous monitoring during the postoperative period. Although nurse-led mobilization protocols have been evaluated in limited randomized controlled trials across various surgical populations, evidence specifically focused on patients undergoing colorectal surgery remains scarce. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led early mobilization protocol compared with standard mobilization practices in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The study focuses on postoperative recovery outcomes, including mobility, gastrointestinal function, patient comfort, fatigue, postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, and length of hospital stay. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence to support the integration of nurse-led early mobilization protocols into routine colorectal surgical care.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
80
1. Preoperative Period Patients will receive verbal education regarding the purpose, benefits, and process of early mobilization. To support this education, a Postoperative Mobilization Information Brochure prepared by the researchers will be provided to the patient and their caregiver. 2. Postoperative Day 0 Within the first 6-8 hours after surgery, vital signs will be monitored, and mobilization will be initiated in clinically stable patients under nurse supervision. 2.1. In-Bed Activities (Postoperative Hour 5) The following lower-extremity exercises will be performed: Ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion Toe movements Leg extension without knee flexion Circular foot movements Each exercise will be performed 5-10 repetitions. The patient will then be positioned in an upright sitting position in bed. 2.2. First Standing and Ambulation (Postoperative Hours 6-8) Vital signs will be assessed. The patient will be assisted to sit at the bedside for 1-2 minutes under nurse
Participants in the control group will receive standard postoperative mobilization care routinely provided in the institution. Mobilization activities will be performed according to existing clinical practices, and no structured or protocol-based nurse-led early mobilization program will be implemented. Participants in the control group will continue to receive usual nursing care without any disadvantage or additional risk in terms of patient care.
Ege University
Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Mobility level assessed
Patient-reported / Observer-rated Mobility Scale The Patient Mobility Scale is used to assess pain and perceived exertion experienced during the postoperative period while performing four activities: turning from one side to the other in bed, sitting at the bedside, standing up at the bedside, and walking in the patient's room. Permission to use the scale was obtained from the responsible authors. The Observer Mobility Scale evaluates the degree of patient dependence/independence during mobilization activities. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are measured by the observer two minutes before and after mobilization. Furthermore, the Patient- and Observer-rated Mobility Scales will be administered on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, and the results will be documented in the monitoring form.
Time frame: between postoperative day 0 and postoperative day 3
Total walking distance (measured by pedometer)
Mobilization will be monitored using the Mobilization Monitoring Form and step counts obtained from the pedometer will be recorded at the end of each day.
Time frame: between postoperative day 0 and postoperative day 3
Time to first flatus (hours postoperatively)
The time interval (in hours) from the end of surgery to the first passage of flatus reported by the patient.
Time frame: From the end of surgery until the patient-reported first postoperative passage of flatus (within the first 72 hours postoperatively)
Time to first defecation (hours postoperatively)
The time interval (in hours) from the end of surgery to the patient's first defecation will be determined and recorded based on patient self-report.
Time frame: From the end of surgery until the patient-reported first postoperative passage of defecation (within the first 72 hours postoperatively)
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
Postoperative nausea and vomiting will be assessed based on patient self-report and will be recorded by the researcher as a binary outcome (presence or absence) without using a standardized scale during the first three postoperative days.
Time frame: during the first 3 postoperative days
Fatigue level
Modified Borg Scale Fatigue was assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no fatigue) to 10 (very, very hard). Patients' fatigue levels were evaluated on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Time frame: researcher during the first 3 postoperative days
Comfort level
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a valid, reliable, and practical measurement tool widely used to quantify subjective experiences that cannot be directly measured numerically. In this study, patient satisfaction will be assessed using the VAS (0-10). Higher VAS scores indicate greater levels of comfort.
Time frame: Patients will be assessed on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Patient satisfaction
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a valid, reliable, and practical measurement tool widely used to quantify subjective experiences that cannot be directly measured numerically. In this study, patient satisfaction will be assessed using the VAS (0-10). Scores ranged from 0 (low satisfaction) to 10 (high satisfaction)
Time frame: on postoperative day 3
Meryem Yavuz van Giersbergen
CONTACT
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