Does Chewing Gum Help Regaining Intestinal Functions after Hysterectomy? A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Ab s t r Ac t Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of chewing gum after hysterectomy on recovery of bowel functions. Design: Randomized control trial. Materials and methods: Women who underwent hysterectomy and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups of 80 each by simple randomization. Study group women chewed sugar free chewing gum for 30 minutes every 4 hours, starting 4 hours after hysterectomy and control group did not chew chewing gum. Both the groups received standard treatment protocol. Bowel sounds were checked every 30 minutes and record of passage of first flatus and the first evacuation time were recorded by inquiring the women. Results: Compared with the control group, women in the chewing gum group experienced a significant reduction i.e., 5.5 hours at the time of first bowel sound (p < 0.05), 5.3 hours in the first passage of flatus (p < 0.05), 10.5 hours at the time of first feeling of hunger (p < 0.05), 5.6 hours at the time of first oral feed (p > 0.05), 13.8 hours at the time of first defecation (p < 0.05) and 12.9 hours at the time of first discharge (p < 0.05).