Effect of gum chewing on reducing postoperative ileus and recovery after colorectal surgery: A randomised controlled trial

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

“…Only two of 565 patients in the entire population (0.35%) died within 90 days after surgery, and none of the deaths was attributed to the intervention (chewing gum). These findings are consistent with similar reports showing the safety of SMD, acupuncture and chewing gum after surgery125212223. We conclude that SMD, acupuncture, and chewing gum do not significantly affect risk of incidence or type of complications.…”

“…Though most patients undergoing colorectal resection recover bowel movements within a week, some suffer prolonged intestinal paralysis or postoperative ileus (POI), reducing comfort, increasing morbidity and mortality, and extending hospitalization, all of which increase healthcare costs123. This highlights the importance of preventing POI234.…”

Postoperative ileus following major colorectal surgery

“…An efferent cephalic–vagal response and/or increase in promotility hormones in response to mastication may be involved. Eleven colorectal RCTs assessed the role of chewing gum in expediting gastrointestinal recovery between 1990 and 2016 ( Table ). Time to first flatus or defaecation improved significantly in five studies, comprising open and laparoscopic approaches, but with high risk of bias, apart from one in which bias could not be assessed.…”

“…Eleven colorectal RCTs assessed the role of chewing gum in expediting gastrointestinal recovery between 1990 and 2016 ( Table ). Time to first flatus or defaecation improved significantly in five studies, comprising open and laparoscopic approaches, but with high risk of bias, apart from one in which bias could not be assessed. In one study, gastric emptying (sonographic measurements of antral area after a standard meal) increased significantly in patients receiving gum and levels of inflammatory markers decreased (TNF‐α: 0·74 versus 0·92 ng/ml in gum and control groups respectively, P = 0·043; IL‐8: 133 versus 288 pg/ml, P = 0·045).…”

Gum chewing aids bowel function return and analgesic requirements after bowel surgery: a randomized controlled trial

“…Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the effectiveness of chewing gum in the postoperative setting for many types of surgery, including colorectal, gastric, ileal and liver resections as well as appendicectomy, cystectomy, Caesarian section and gynaecological surgery [2,10,[13][14][15][16][17]. The results of these studies are heterogenous and most are underpowered with fewer than 80 patients per study.…”