Assessment of Early Postoperative Thirst in Patients Undergoing Urological Surgery

Abstract

Postoperative thirst is a common but often overlooked symptom in patients undergoing urological surgery, with potential negative effects on comfort and recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of postoperative thirst in patients undergoing urological surgery and to determine the factors influencing this symptom. A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 102 patients at the Urology Clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected using an Information Form and the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (EDESP) and analysed through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The mean EDESP score was 6.61 ± 3.11, indicating a moderate level of thirst. Regression analysis showed that marital status, type of surgery, prior surgical experience, age, and duration of anaesthesia were significant predictors of thirst. Higher scores were observed among single patients, those undergoing major surgery, and those with previous surgical experience, while older age and prolonged anaesthesia were also associated with greater thirst discomfort. These findings highlight that thirst is an important postoperative symptom that requires systematic assessment. Considering individual and clinical factors in its management may improve patient comfort and contribute to the quality of nursing care in urological surgery.