This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of menthol chewing gum on postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel function, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. A total of 50 patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=25) or a control group (n=25). Participants in the intervention group received menthol chewing gum in addition to standard postoperative care, while participants in the control group received standard postoperative care only. Nausea, bowel function, and postoperative recovery were assessed during the first three postoperative days.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting and delayed return of bowel function are common concerns following laparoscopic colorectal surgery and may affect postoperative recovery. Chewing gum is a non-pharmacological intervention that may stimulate gastrointestinal activity. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of menthol chewing gum on postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel function, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group. Both groups received routine postoperative treatment and nursing care. In the intervention group, participants chewed menthol gum for 30 minutes and repeated the intervention three hours later. The same procedure was applied on the first, second, and third postoperative days. Participants in the control group received routine postoperative treatment and care without menthol chewing gum. Postoperative nausea, bowel function, and recovery status were evaluated during the first three postoperative days. Postoperative recovery was assessed using the Surgical Recovery Status Scale, and nausea intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
Participants chewed menthol gum for 30 minutes, followed by a second 30-minute chewing session three hours later. This intervention was repeated on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 in addition to standard postoperative care.
Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Frequency
The frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting was recorded for each participant during the first three postoperative days. Higher values indicate a greater frequency of nausea and vomiting.
Time frame: Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3
Postoperative Gas Passage Frequency
The frequency of defecation was recorded during the first three postoperative days as an indicator of postoperative bowel function.
Time frame: Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3
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