J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2018 Apr;24(1):85-93. 10.22650/JKCNR.2018.24.1.85.

Effect of Chewing Gum on Abdominal Discomfort, the First Defecation, and Constipation after Spine Surgery

• Kim HJ
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2411304
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2018.24.1.85

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aim to determine the effect of chewing gum on the reduction of postoperative ileus and recovery after surgery.
METHODS
The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial among 82 patients who underwent spine surgery between May 2015 and October 2015. Patients in experimental group chewed sugarless gum 3 times daily for 30 minutes each time until POD 5. Abdominal discomfort, the first defecation, and CAS score (Constipation Assessment Scale) were monitored.
RESULTS
After the experiment, abdominal discomfort was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to that of the control group (F=2.46, p=.044). However, the first defecation occurred on postoperative hour 69.6 in the chewing gum group and on hour 60.2 in the control group (t=−1.63, p=.107). CAS was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to that of the control group (F=3.51, p=.012).
CONCLUSION
Chewing gum is expected to help patient recover after surgery as safe nurse intervention which can reduce abdominal discomfort and constipation during early postoperative days after spine surgery.

Keyword

Chewing Gum; Ileus; Surgery; Spine

MeSH Terms

Chewing Gum*
Constipation*
Defecation*
Gingiva
Humans
Ileus
Mastication*
Spine*
Chewing Gum