Impact of Chewing Gum on Postoperative Gut Motility in Gastrointestinal Surgery Patients

Khyber Medical University Peshawar96 enrolled

Overview

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery, leading to delayed gastrointestinal motility, prolonged hospital stay, and increased patient discomfort. Chewing gum, as a form of sham feeding, has been proposed to stimulate gut motility through vagal stimulation and increased gastrointestinal secretions. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effect of chewing gum on early recovery of gastrointestinal motility in patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery.

This prospective randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether chewing gum reduces the time to return of bowel function after gastrointestinal surgery. Ninety-six adult patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery will be randomly allocated into intervention and control groups using block randomization. The intervention group will receive glucose-containing chewing gum starting six hours postoperatively. Outcomes measured include time to first bowel sounds, passage of flatus, and defecation. Statistical analysis will assess differences between groups to determine the efficacy of chewing gum in preventing postoperative ileus.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Postoperative Ileus Delayed Gastrointestinal Motility

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 17 YearsMax age: 85 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 17 and 85 years. * Patients of either gender. * Undergoing open gastrointestinal surgical procedures (elective or emergency). * Willing to participate and able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with metabolic or endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism). * Patients with renal disease or electrolyte imbalance. * Patients with chronic constipation or neuromuscular disorders. * Patients with substance abuse or drug addiction. * Patients receiving medications affecting gut motility (calcium channel blockers or antiepileptic drugs). * Patients with dental prosthesis or undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Time to First Passage of Flatus

Time interval (in hours) from the end of surgery to the first postoperative passage of flatus, assessed by patient self-report and clinical evaluation.

Time frame: Within 48 hours postoperatively

Time to First Defecation

Time interval (in hours) from the end of surgery to the first postoperative bowel movement (defecation), assessed by patient self-report and clinical evaluation.