Ear massage eases Post-Surgery constipation in small trial

NCT ID NCT06862986

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether ear massage can help bowel activity return faster after lower extremity surgery. Forty patients were split into two groups: one received standard care plus ear massage twice daily, the other standard care alone. Researchers measured when bowel sounds returned and when patients first had a bowel movement after surgery. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug method could reduce constipation, which is common after such operations.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
ear massage
What this could lead to
If effective, ear massage could offer a simple, drug-free way to help prevent or reduce constipation after leg surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, completed study with only 40 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be small or due to chance.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mersin University

    Mersin, Yenişehir, 33010, Turkey (Türkiye)

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.