Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
07:37

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats

Published on: June 11, 2012

Influence of gum chewing on return of gastrointestinal function after gastric abdominal surgery in children

Q Zhang1, P Zhao

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China. qinming.zhang@ncich.com.cn

European Journal of Pediatric Surgery : Official Journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [Et Al] = Zeitschrift Fur Kinderchirurgie
|February 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Gum chewing significantly speeds the return of bowel function in children after gastric surgery. While the exact mechanism remains unclear, this practice offers a promising, non-invasive method to improve postoperative recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Physiology
  • Postoperative Care

Background:

  • Delayed gastrointestinal function is a common complication after abdominal surgery in children.
  • Early return of bowel function is crucial for reducing hospital stays and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of gum chewing on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in pediatric patients following gastric abdominal surgery.
  • To explore the potential role of neural and humoral hormones in the mechanism of gum chewing's influence on bowel motility.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 18 pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.
  • Patients were assigned to either a gum-chewing group or a control group.
  • Gum chewing occurred three times daily post-surgery; time to first flatus passage was recorded. Blood samples were analyzed for gastrin and catecholamines.

Main Results:

  • The gum-chewing group experienced a significantly earlier first passage of flatus (average 69 hours) compared to the control group (average 77 hours, p < 0.05).
  • No significant differences were observed in blood levels of gastrin and catecholamines between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • Gum chewing effectively accelerates the return of intestinal function in children after gastric abdominal surgery.
  • The precise mechanism underlying this effect is not fully elucidated, but neural and humoral hormones are suspected mediators of increased bowel motility.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia11:19

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion01:22

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion

The physiology of the gastrointestinal system begins with ingestion as food enters the mouth.
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow01:24

Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow

The Barium Swallow Study, or a Barium Esophagogram, is a diagnostic imaging method used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It employs barium sulfate, a radiopaque contrast material, to provide clear images of the upper digestive system, helping to identify abnormalities, diseases, or structural issues.
Purpose and Procedure
Patients undergoing this procedure ingest a liquid containing barium sulfate with a chalky...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: