Effect of Gum Chewing on Gastrointestinal Function after Complete Surgical Staging in Gynecologic Malignancies: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative chewing gum in promoting gastrointestinal recovery following complete surgical staging for gynecologic malignancies.
Materials and Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in women who underwent complete surgical staging for gynecologic malignancies. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received the sugar-free chewing gum for 15 minutes, four times per day, in addition to standard postoperative care, while the control group received standard postoperative care. The primary outcome was the time to first flatus.
Results: From July 2024 to March 2025, 68 participants were enrolled in this study. The chewing gum group showed significantly shorter time to first flatus compared to the control group (33.5 ± 11.7 hr vs 42.7 ± 11.7 hr, mean difference -9.2 hr, 95%CI -14.9, -3.6, p = 0.002). Furthermore, the use of additional anti-emetic drugs was significantly lower in the chewing gum group [3 (8.8%) vs 11 (32.4%), p = 0.036]. No significant differences were observed in time to first defecation, postoperative nausea, postoperative vomiting, and additional analgesic use. No serious adverse effects were reported in this study.
Conclusion: Chewing gum significantly reduced the time to first flatus in women undergoing complete surgical staging for gynecologic malignancies.
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