Effect of Chewing Gum on Abdominal Discomfort, the First Defecation, and Constipation after Spine Surgery
10.22650/JKCNR.2018.24.1.85
- Author:
Hyung Ja KIM
1
;
Jeoung Hee KIM
Author Information
1. RN, Department of Nursing, Asan Medical Center, Korea.
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Chewing Gum;
Ileus;
Surgery;
Spine
- MeSH:
Chewing Gum;
Constipation;
Defecation;
Gingiva;
Humans;
Ileus;
Mastication;
Spine
- From:
Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
2018;24(1):85-93
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
