[Chewing gum to prevent postoperative ileus].
Postoperative ileus is a commonly occurring complication after abdominal surgery. Reduced well-being and ileus related complications lead to extension of hospital stay. An early commencement of postoperative feeding to stimulate the digestive system is not always achievable in practice. Recent studies suggest that use of chewing gum can be effective in preventing postoperative ileus by a similar mechanism of action to early postoperative feeding. However, these studies were small in size and of varying quality. Recently the "Chewing gum study" ("Kauwgomstudie") to investigate the effect of general use of chewing gum after abdominal surgery has been started in the Netherlands.
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Heelkunde, Leiden. nvanleersum@gmail.com
Nicoline J
NJ
van Leersum
Bert A
BA
Bonsing
Hidde M
HM
Kroon
Joost R M
JR
van der Sijp
Vincent
V
van Weel
D002638:Chewing Gum; D003672:Defecation; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005414:Flatulence; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007902:Length of Stay; D009426:Netherlands; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D002638:Chewing Gum