Abstract
We examined the effect of lower abdominal warming in 25 elderly patients with low level of consciousness (4 males and 21 females ; 84±10yr) who had serious constipation according to measurement of bowel movements, usage of laxative, frequency of enema and disimpaction. Vital signs were measured before and after being treated with heat application.The subjects applied a heat and steam generating sheet ( HSG) ( Megurizumu, Kao Co., Tokyo) on the lower abdominal skin for 7 days ( 6.7±0.7hrs/day). Subjective constipation［ the Japanese version of the Constipation Assessment Scale-Short term (CAS-ST) and the Bristol Stool Scale］ , bowel movements and taking laxatives were compared before and after being treated with HSG. Significant improvements were observed in CAS-ST, the Bristol Stool Scale and frequent of bowel movements for 7 days. These results suggested that lower abdominal warming improved constipation significantly (from stool form scale, constipation assessment scale and bowel movements) in elderly patients with a low level of consciousness. The stool form scale is useful in patients with a low level of consciousness as well. In addition, the potential relaxation effect based on a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and a decreasing tendency in diastolic blood pressure, and no marked effect on the skin or cardiovascular system suggested the safety of long-term continuous use of this warming method. In future investigations, it would be necessary to bring in objective evaluations in case that it is difficult to obtain subjective data.
