Chewing gum reduces postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery: A meta‐analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Results of the meta-analysis suggest that chewing gum following abdominal surgery offers benefits in reducing the time of postoperative ileus.

Comparison of efficacy of simo decoction and acupuncture or chewing gum alone on postoperative ileus in colorectal cancer resection: a randomized trial

“…At the same time, we did not observe enhancement of bowel function in the entire chewing gum group or in the subgroup of those who underwent laparoscopic resection. This is inconsistent with most randomized trials and meta-analyses on this question4101112131415. Nevertheless, consistent with this previous work4101112131415, we did find clinical benefit for chewing gum in the subgroup of those who underwent open resection.…”

“…Chewing gum has emerged as a popular method for reducing the incidence of POI, but its efficacy is controversial. While some systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that it can lead to significantly better postoperative bowel function410111213141516 and several official guidelines recommend it for preventing POI17181920, three recent RCTs failed to demonstrate an effect of chewing gum on the recovery of bowel function after colorectal resection212223.…”

Nutritional Modulation of Immune Response via Vagus Nerve: Preclinical Studies and Future Perspectives

“…Currently, first clinical trials are performed to investigate whether peroperative vagus nerve stimulation reduces the inflammatory response in patients and leads to clinical improvement. Interestingly, also chewing gum following abdominal surgery was shown to offer significant benefits in the resolution of postoperative ileus (Li et al 2013). The underlying mechanism in man has to be elucidated, yet it is tempting to assume a role for the vagal anti-inflammatory pathway in the protective effects of gum chewing.…”

Response to ′Letter to Editor′

“…Recent meta-analysis and systematic reviews about colorectal and gynecological surgery supports that gum chewing promotes bowel functions. [34]…”