Effect of Gum-chewing on the Movement of Intestines after Abdominal Resection and Length of Hospital Stay

Background and Objectives: Postoperative ileus is common after abdominal resection. It causes gas store, distention, nausea, vomiting, and even pain. This study examines the impact of gum chewing as a type of sham feeding on the duration of postoperative ileus. Methods: In this randomized control trial study, 70 patients in two groups (each group n=35) underwent abdominal resection. The A group chewed sugarless gum three times (each time 20 minutes) in 4,10, and 18 hours after discharge on operation room. Both groups were matched in terms of demographics, intraoperative and postoperative care data. The data resending the first passage of flatus, defecation and bowel sound in every two hours for each patient were completed in questioning. With esthetes cop muse ring each two hours. T-test was used for comparison of the means. Findings: The initial bowel sound began at 3±1.3 and 2.8± 1.3 hours after operation in the gum and control groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups. Furthermore, gas passing has been reported at 18.3±10.5 and 36.28±12.6 hours after operation in gum and control group respectively. The first defecation was an accident at 36.8±21.7 and 69.5±19.2 hours after operation in gum and control groups, respectively (P=0.001). Conclusions: This study indicates that gum-chewing in the immediate postoperative period helps to enhance movement of intestines and facilitates recovery from ileus following abdominal resection. This inexpensive and well-tolerated treatment also results in earlier hospital discharge.