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Impact of olive oil consumption on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing open heart surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

  • 2025-07-14
  • Journal of complementary & integrative medicine 22(3)
    • Reza Bahrami
    • Abbas Ebadi
    • Yaser Saeid
    • Seyed Saeed Farzam
    • Elahe Gomrokchian
    • Malihe Sadat Moayed

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 110
Population
110 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery
Methods
A randomized controlled trial assigned patients to two groups using four-block randomization; intervention group received 30 cc of extra virgin olive oil daily with food from the day before the operation to 30 days after; control group received usual care
Duration
from the day before the operation to 30 days after
  • Large Human Trial

Introduction

The incidence of post-surgery outcomes, such as pain and constipation, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery can impact the healing process and the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of olive oil consumption on pain and constipation in adult coronary bypass surgery patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial in Qazvin, Iran (2022-2023) assigned 110 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery to two groups using four-block randomization. In the intervention group, patients received 30 cc of extra virgin olive oil daily with food from the day before the operation to 30 days after. The control group received usual care. Pain and constipation levels were measured before and after surgery and up to 30 days post-surgery using the visual pain scale (VAS) and Bristol stool form scale (BSFS).

Results

With similar background variables between the two groups, the results indicated that the average pain and constipation scores in the intervention group decreased more than in the control group (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on the study's findings and the positive impact of olive oil consumption on reducing pain and constipation, incorporating olive oil into the diet of heart surgery patients is recommended.

Research Insights

  • Olive Oil→Improved Bowel Movement Frequency

    the average pain and constipation scores in the intervention group decreased more than in the control group (p-value < 0.05)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    30 cc daily
  • Olive Oil→Reduced Pain

    the average pain and constipation scores in the intervention group decreased more than in the control group (p-value < 0.05)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    30 cc daily
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