Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thirst management in convalescent patients recovering from a digestive surgery performed under general anesthesia requires attention. A simple, practical, and safe method can effectively relieve thirst symptoms in such patients. AIM: To evaluate the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-based evidence-based care (EBC) plus ice stimulation therapy for thirst management of convalescent patients following digestive surgery performed under general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 191 patients convalescing after digestive surgery performed under general anesthesia between March 2020 and February 2023 and experiencing thirst were selected. In total, 89 patients and 102 patients in the control and research groups received routine care and ERAS-based EBC plus ice stimulation therapy, respectively. The following data were comparatively analyzed: (1) Thirst degree (thirst intensity numerical rating scale) and thirst distress (TD) degree (TD scale); (2) Oral mucosal wetness; (3) Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR); (4) Adverse reactions (palpitation, fatigue, chapped lips, and nausea and vomiting); and (5) Nursing satisfaction. RESULTS: After nursing, thirst degree and distress were statistically lower in the research group than in the control group. Additionally, compared with the control group, the research group exhibited a lower degree of oral mucosal wetness, higher UWSFR, fewer adverse reactions, and more total nursing satisfaction. CONCLUSION: ERAS-based EBC plus ice stimulation therapy can effectively alleviate thirst in convalescent patients recovering from a digestive surgery performed under general anesthesia. It can alleviate xerostomia symptoms, reduce adverse reactions, and improve patient comfort.