Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
Use of chewing gum in children undergoing an appendectomy: A randomized clinical controlled trial
Gabriela López-Jaimez1, Carlos A Cuello-García2
1Department of Pediatrics, Tecnológico de Monterrey School of Medicine, Monterrey, NL, ISEM, Estado de México, Mexico.
Insights
Chewing gum use after pediatric appendectomy appears safe and well-tolerated, potentially speeding bowel function recovery. Further research is needed to confirm benefits for hospital stay and other outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Post-operative ileus is a frequent complication in pediatric appendectomy patients.
- Early return of bowel function is crucial for patient recovery and hospital discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of sugar-free chewing gum in reducing post-operative ileus.
- To assess the impact of chewing gum on the time to oral tolerance in pediatric appendectomy patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving pediatric patients (ages 5-18) undergoing appendectomy.
- Intervention group received sugar-free chewing gum post-surgery; control group received standard care.
- Outcomes measured included acceptability, time to first flatus, first bowel movement, and oral intake tolerance.
Main Results:
- Chewing gum was well-accepted and tolerated without complications in the intervention group.
- A trend towards faster time to first flatus was observed in the chewing gum group (17.18h vs. 24.37h).
- No significant differences were found in time to first bowel movement, oral intake tolerance, or hospital stay.
Conclusions:
- Sugar-free chewing gum is a safe and feasible intervention for pediatric appendectomy patients.
- While potentially aiding bowel function recovery, further studies are required to confirm significant improvements in clinical outcomes like hospital length of stay.
Introduction:
Post-operative ileus is a common condition among pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy. We aim to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of chewing gum to reduce ileus, and decrease time to oral tolerance.
Methods:
A randomized trial was conducted in 5-18 year old patients that underwent an appendectomy. Subjects in the intervention group received sugar-free chewing gum within the first 12 h after surgery and control group received the usual therapy. We assessed the acceptability of the intervention, time to pass first flatus, present first bowel movement, and time to tolerate oral intake.
Results:
A total of 41 patients were recruited, 21 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. Mean time (SD) to first flatus in the intervention group was 17.18 h (8.18), and 24.37 h (17.53) in the control group (mean difference [MD] of -7.19 h; 95% CI, -15.7 to 1.38). Time to first bowel movement (MD, -4.6 h, 95%CI -18.5 to 9.3), time to tolerate oral intake (MD, 4.17 h; 95%CI -9.2 to 17.5), and length of hospital stay (MD, 6.9 h, 95%CI -19.1 to 33.1) appeared not to be affected by the intervention. Chewing gum was accepted, well tolerated, and without complications.
Discussion:
The use of chewing gum in children undergoing an appendectomy was safe and well tolerated and might lead to a faster recovery of bowel function, more studies are needed to prove if length of hospital stay and other outcomes are improved.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...