Does gum chewing help prevent impaired gastric motility in the postoperative period?

To discuss the pathophysiology of postoperative ileus (POI) and the addition of gum chewing to a multimodal treatment plan.

Review of current literature of the pathophysiology of POI, multimodal treatment options, and current research on gum chewing and its effects on the prevention of POI.

Studies have documented that gum chewing decreases time to flatus and first defecation after surgery. Studies indicate that gum chewing can decrease the length of hospital stay by 1 day. There were no documented adverse effects of gum chewing. The addition of gum chewing to a multimodal treatment program assists with increasing patient comfort, satisfaction, and decreasing healthcare expenditures.

POI is a common complication of abdominal surgery. Research has indicated that gum chewing has assisted with increasing gastric motility, decreasing lengths of hospital stays, and decreasing healthcare expenditures. Gum chewing is an inexpensive and safe option to add to a multimodal program for the prevention of POI.