Chewing Gum Facilitates an Earlier Return to Bowel Function in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients: A Prospective Randomized Study

The Use of Chewing Gum Reduces Post-operative Ileus and Gastrointestinal Complications in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gum on reducing post-operative ileus and reducing post-operative gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis. This study would provide minimal risk to its study population, and has the opportunity to provide a benefit to patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. If shown to be effective, this could lead to changes and improvement of the post-operative course for pediatric scoliosis patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Otherwise meets criteria for surgical correction of scoliosis
• Mental capacity to understand the purpose of the study
• Idiopathic scoliosis or neuromuscular scoliosis with mild cerebral involvement
• Posterior surgery approach only

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to safely chew gum due to oropharyngeal issues or airway issues
• History of GI surgery (G-tube, fundoplication, ostomy etc...)
• Anterior approach