[Chewing gum to prevent postoperative ileus].

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Nicoline J van Leersum, Bert A Bonsing, Hidde M Kroon, Joost R M van der Sijp, Vincent van Weel
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 156 Issue 22 Pg. A4794 ( 2012) ISSN: 1876-8784 [Electronic] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Kauwgom kauwen ter preventie van postoperatieve ileus.
• PMID: 22647229 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chewing Gum

Topics

• Chewing Gum
• Defecation
• Digestion (physiology)
• Elective Surgical Procedures
• Flatulence
• Humans
• Ileus (prevention & control)
• Laparotomy (adverse effects)
• Length of Stay
• Netherlands
• Postoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic