Role of Chewing Gum in Enhancing Post-Operative Recovery 0f Bowel Function after Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: The frequency of cesarean sections globally exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended rates, leading to an increased focus on postoperative recovery, particularly the restoration of gastrointestinal (GIT) function. The delayed return of intestinal activity, known as postoperative ileus, can extend hospital stays and elevate healthcare costs. Chewing gum has been proposed as a simple, non-pharmacological intervention to stimulate the GIT and potentially expedite recovery. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chewing gum in improving GIT activity and recovery in patients following a cesarean section, contributing to the evidence base for postoperative care practices in obstetrics and gynecology. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative analytical study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KRL Hospital Islamabad, from May 2021 to November 2021. Two hundred patients undergoing elective cesarean sections were divided into two groups: Group A (n=100), who received chewing gum postoperatively, and Group B (n=100), who did not. The primary outcomes measured were the time to first bowel sound, time to first flatus, and time to first defecation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results: Group A demonstrated a significantly faster time to first bowel sound (3.75 ± 1.31 hours vs. 7.01 ± 1.94 hours, p=0.001), first flatus (7.97 ± 1.96 hours vs. 14.75 ± 3.57 hours, p=0.001), and first defecation (32.37 ± 3.56 hours vs. 48.20 ± 6.06 hours, p=0.001) compared to Group B. These findings were consistent across age stratifications, with significant improvements in GIT recovery times in younger (18-25 years) and older (26-35 years) subsets of patients. Conclusion: Chewing gum post-cesarean section significantly accelerates the recovery of GIT functions, reducing the time to first bowel sound, flatus, and defecation. This study supports the inclusion of chewing gum as a low-cost, effective method in postoperative care protocols for cesarean section patients, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.