Efficacy of chewing gum for improving bowel function after cesarean sections: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Recovery
• Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

• Postoperative ileus is a common complication following cesarean sections, leading to delayed recovery and increased hospital stays.
• Early return of bowel function is crucial for patient comfort and timely discharge after abdominal surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of early postoperative gum chewing on the return of bowel function after cesarean delivery.
• To assess the effect of gum chewing on patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction with bowel movements and length of hospital stay.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 150 patients undergoing cesarean sections.
• Participants were assigned to either a gum chewing group (chewing sugarless gum for 30 minutes at 3, 5, and 7 hours postoperatively) or a control group.
• Key outcomes measured included time to first bowel movement, first hunger sensation, first passage of flatus, and overall hospital stay duration.

Main Results:

• The gum chewing group demonstrated significantly earlier first bowel movements (4.93 vs. 7.97 hours, p<0.001) and passage of flatus (11.73 vs. 14.10 hours, p<0.001).
• Patients in the gum group also experienced a quicker return of hunger sensation (5.51 vs. 6.30 hours, p=0.004) and had a shorter mean hospital stay (2.30 vs. 2.50 days, p=0.015).
• Postoperative satisfaction scores regarding bowel function were notably higher in the group that chewed gum.

Conclusions:

• Early and frequent chewing of sugarless gum post-cesarean section accelerates the return of gastrointestinal function.
• This non-invasive intervention effectively reduces the length of hospitalization and enhances patient satisfaction with their recovery.
• Gum chewing represents a simple, cost-effective strategy to improve postoperative outcomes in cesarean delivery patients.