Impact of mobilization intervention on recovery outcomes after pediatric appendectomy

Objective The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between the first three mobilizations performed within the first 24 h postoperatively in children aged 3–18 years who underwent acute appendectomy surgery and the mobilization time (hour), duration (minutes) and number, pain level, oral intake times, flatus, and discharge time. Methods This is a single-center, prospective, and descriptive study. The study was conducted in the pediatric surgery department of a medical faculty hospital in Türkiye between May 2024 and January 2025 with 100 children aged 3–18 years who underwent appendectomy. The Patient Information Form, Postoperative Follow-up Form, and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale were used to collect research data. Mobilization time, duration, and pain levels during the postoperative follow-up were measured and recorded separately during the first mobilization, second mobilization, and third mobilization. Results A statistically significant difference was found among the 3 mobilizations in the first, second and third mobilization times; duration; and pain score ( p < 0.001). Children, the mean time for the first oral intake (h) of the was 5.73 (1.003), the mean first flatus (h) was 10.41 (4.397), the mean discharge time (h) was 22.97 (4.358) and the mean number of mobilizations in the first 24 h postoperatively was 10.97 (3.016). Conclusion The results revealed improvements in mobilization time, duration, number of, and pain scores after pediatric appendectomy. Implications to practice Mobilization may support faster recovery and improved postoperative outcomes in children after appendectomy. Monitoring mobilization timing, duration, and frequency can help optimize recovery processes and discharge readiness.