J Korean Oncol Nurs.  2010 Aug;10(2):191-198.

Effects of Gum-chewing on the Recovery of Bowel Motility and Length of Hospital Stay after Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

• Kim SS
• Lee EN
• Kim HS
• Kim MK
• Lee KS
• Nam HJ
• Kim MY

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a gum-chewing on the recovery of bowel motility and days of hospitalization after surgery for colorectal cancer.
METHODS
This study used a non-equivalent control group and non-synchronized design. Thirty-four patients undergoing abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer were assigned to either gum-chewing group (n=17) or control group (n=17). The patients in the gum-chewing group chewed gum for 10 min three times daily from the first postoperative morning until the day they began oral intake. Outcome variables were time of first flatus, time of first bowel movement, and length of hospital stay.
RESULTS
Gum-chewing was effective in enhancing the first passage of flatus, but was not effective in enhancing time of bowel movement and length of hospital stay.
CONCLUSION
Gum-chewing can be utilized as a useful nursing intervention to shorten the time of the first flatus of postoperative colectomy.

Keyword

Chewing; Colorectal cancer; Colectomy

MeSH Terms

Colectomy
Colorectal Neoplasms
Flatulence
Gingiva
Hospitalization
Humans
Length of Stay
Mastication

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