A RANDOMIZED INTERVENTIONAL STUDY ON EFFECT OF CHEWING GUM ON DURATION OF HOSPITAL STAY FOLLOWING ABDOMINAL SURGERIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, SMS MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAIPUR

Abstract

Background: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction, especially postoperative ileus, is a major contributing factor in discomfort and prolonged hospital stay after abdominal surgery. It can cause the accumulation of secretions and gas, resulting in nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and pain⁷.This study was conducted with an aim to analyze the clinical outcome of effect of chewing gum mainly to avoid post: operative gastrointestinal dysfunction which affects the duration of hospital stay post-operative.

Methods: The present Randomized interventional study is done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur with the aim of assessing the effect of chewing gum on duration of  hospital stay after abdominal surgery in 40 Cases and 40 Controls. The cases were given chewing gum for  duration of 15 minutes  at 2^nd , 4^th and 6^th hour of surgery. Bowel sound were auscultated at 3^rd , 5^th and 7^th hour of surgery and outcomes were compared with control group. Control group were given only standard post-operative care.

Results: Mean duration of hospital stay in cases is 4.39±0.86 days and 6.35±0.94 days in controls group, median time is 4.1 days in cases and 6.3 days in controls, minimum and maximum time is respectively 2.8 days and 6.5 days in cases and 4.7 days and 9.5 days in controls, there is statistically significant difference between the groups (P<0.01), i.e., Control group patients has lengthier hospital stay when compared to Cases group who were given Chewing gum post operatively.

Conclusion: Chewing Gum a form of Sham feeding is a virtual diet can be added as a routine post operative measure without any concern on early post-operative feedingThus using chewing gum post- operatively improves outcomes like early ambulation , early discharge and decreases overall cost of hospitalization.. and is a low-cost, safe and effective measure to reduce ileus associated complications.

Keywords: Chewing Gum, Hospital Stay, Post- operative Ileus