The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of chewing gum effects postoperative ileus after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Postoperative ileus is common after surgery. One non-pharmacological intervention that has shown promising results in reducing the duration of postoperative ileus is chewing gum after surgery. However, this has not been investigated in upper gastrointestinal surgery such as pancreatic surgery. Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chewing gum treatment on patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy due to pancreatic or periampullary cancer.

This study was conducted as a phase-III trial. Patients diagnosed with pancreatic tumours scheduled for pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. The treatment group received chewing gum postoperatively and standard care. Controls received glucose solution and standard care.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Pancreatic or periampullary cancer and scheduled to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 2. Ongoing treatment for mental disease 3. Diagnosed neurological injuries or diseases affecting the ability to swallow or gastric function 4. Ongoing abuse of alcohol or other drugs 5. Previously known allergies to the content of chewing gum 6. Additional surgery after primary surgery.