Impact of Chewing Gum on Postoperative Gut Motility in Gastrointestinal Surgery Patients

Impact of Chewing Gum on Postoperative Gut Motility in Gastrointestinal Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery, leading to delayed gastrointestinal motility, prolonged hospital stay, and increased patient discomfort. Chewing gum, as a form of sham feeding, has been proposed to stimulate gut motility through vagal stimulation and increased gastrointestinal secretions. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effect of chewing gum on early recovery of gastrointestinal motility in patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery.

This prospective randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether chewing gum reduces the time to return of bowel function after gastrointestinal surgery. Ninety-six adult patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery will be randomly allocated into intervention and control groups using block randomization. The intervention group will receive glucose-containing chewing gum starting six hours postoperatively. Outcomes measured include time to first bowel sounds, passage of flatus, and defecation. Statistical analysis will assess differences between groups to determine the efficacy of chewing gum in preventing postoperative ileus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 17 and 85 years.
• Patients of either gender.
• Undergoing open gastrointestinal surgical procedures (elective or emergency).
• Willing to participate and able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with metabolic or endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism).
• Patients with renal disease or electrolyte imbalance.
• Patients with chronic constipation or neuromuscular disorders.
• Patients with substance abuse or drug addiction.
• Patients receiving medications affecting gut motility (calcium channel blockers or antiepileptic drugs).
• Patients with dental prosthesis or undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.