Comparison of methods to facilitate postoperative bowel function

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Nursing

Background:

• Improving postoperative return of bowel function is a key goal in abdominal surgery.
• Early return of bowel function reduces hospital stay and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can hasten the return of gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Patients undergoing abdominal surgery were given the intervention of chewing gum or sucking on hard candy three times per day.
• The study focused on the early postoperative period.

Main Results:

• The study described the intervention and its potential to stimulate the cephalic-vagal reflex and bowel peristalsis.
• Further results on the efficacy of the intervention are detailed within the study.

Conclusions:

• Chewing gum or hard candy may be a simple, effective intervention to promote postoperative bowel function.
• Stimulating the cephalic-vagal reflex is a potential mechanism for hastening gastrointestinal recovery.