Evaluation of Wound Healing Following Bariatric Surgery Using the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC)

Abstract

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the wound healing process in patients who underwent bariatric surgery using the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) “Wound Healing: Primary Intention (1102)” outcome.

Methods

The study was conducted using a descriptive research design between December 2024 and June 2025 at a hospital in the Black Sea Region, involving 84 adult patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Data were collected 24 h after surgery during the first dressing change and on the fifth postoperative day using the “Information Form” and the “Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) Wound Healing: Primary Intention (1102)” scale. Data were analysed using the SPSS 20.0 software package, and results were interpreted at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

When comparing the NOC “Wound Healing: Primary Intention (1102)” mean scores on days 1 and 5 post-surgery, significant differences were found in some clinical indicators. Skin approximation (p = 0.047), serous drainage (p = 0.005), serosanguineous drainage (p = 0.001), sanguineous drainage from drain(p = 0.018), skin perimeter erythema (p = 0.010), wound perimeter edema (p = 0.003) and foul wound odour (p = 0.017). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between BMI and the NOC total score on day 5 (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) “Wound Healing: Primary Intention (1102)” outcome is effective in assessing wound healing in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. It may be recommended to integrate NOC-based outcome measures into routine nursing care to monitor wound healing and identify complications early in bariatric surgery patients.