Open AccessThe Role of Chewing Gum on Post-operative Bowel Recovery after Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery: A Short Report and Updated Review
Author(s) -
Nicko Pisceski Kusika,
Imelda E.B Hutagaol,
Muhammad Yusuf,
Suyanto Suyanto,
Shinta Puja Tilusari
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
open access macedonian journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.288
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 1857-9655
DOI - 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7133
Subject(s) - medicine , gynecological surgery , ileus , laparoscopic surgery , surgery , adverse effect , defecation , bowel preparation , clinical trial , randomized controlled trial , postoperative ileus , complication , laparoscopy , general surgery , colorectal cancer , colonoscopy , cancer
BACKGROUND: Adverse post-operative complication of gynecological laparoscopic surgery, post-operative ileus, could be reduced by mimicking early post-operative oral feeding; however, the role of chewing gum is still lack evidence.AIM: This study was conducted to assess chewing gum’s role in post-operative bowel recovery after gynecological laparoscopic surgery.METHODS: This prospective clinical trial recruited 60 participants who had undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. The study was conducted at Arifin Achmad Hospital, Riau Province, Indonesia, from January to April 2021. The patients were equally divided into two groups: Intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30). They were asked to chew sugar-free gum every 2 h after the surgery (i.e. 5 times within 10 h post-surgery). Time of the first flatus and the first bowel sounds were recorded (i.e. 5 times of assessment within 10 h post-surgery). In addition, a literature review was conducted to add evidence of the role of chewing gum on postoperative bowel recovery after gynecological laparoscopic surgery.RESULTS: Patients from both groups had a close age range (23–44-year-old versus 21–42-year-old). Our data suggested a significant difference in the time of the first flatus between the treatment and control group (15.95 h vs. 45.05 h), p < 0.001. The length of stay in the hospital among those from the treatment group was also significantly shorter compared to controls (15.50 h vs. 45.50 h), p < 0.001. The literature review of four updated randomized clinical trials suggests chewing gum in the early onset of first flatus and bowel movement.CONCLUSION: Chewing gum following gynecological laparoscopic surgery could accelerate gastrointestinal recovery.