Effect of Sham Feeding on Postoperative Ileus After Elective Liver Transplantation

Effect of Sham Feeding on Postoperative Ileus After Elective Liver Transplantation

Postoperative ileus is a common after abdominal surgery. Multifactorial etiology such as surgical trauma, bowel manipulation and perioperative opioids contributes to delayed return of normal gut function Chewing gum has recently been used as a form of sham feeding to stimulate acceleration of gut function after abdominal surgery.

The investigators hypothesize that sham feeding with chewing gum will accelerate return of gut function after liver transplantation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elective liver transplantation surgery
• an ability to chew gum

Exclusion Criteria:

• emergency surgery
• age less than 18 years,
• inability to provide written informed consent
• an inability to chew gum
• hepaticojejunostomy
• sedated patients
• reintubated patients
• Glasgow Coma Scale <13
• reoperation before gas out
• previous bowel surgery