The Role of Chewing Gum on Post-operative Bowel Recovery after Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery: A Short Report and Updated Review

Nicko Pisceski Kusika; Imelda E. B. Hutagaol; Muhammad  Yusuf; Suyanto Suyanto; Shinta Puja Tilusari

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.7133

Authors

Nicko Pisceski Kusika Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arifin Achmad Hospital, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Imelda E. B. Hutagaol Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Muhammad Yusuf Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arifin Achmad Hospital, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Suyanto Suyanto Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Riau, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
Shinta Puja Tilusari Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arifin Achmad Hospital, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.7133

Keywords:

Chewing gum, Gynecological laparoscopic surgery, Surgical recovery, Bowel recovery

Abstract

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.

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References

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