The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

A meta-analysis on the effect of sham feeding following colectomy: should gum chewing be included in enhanced recovery after surgery protocols? Dis Colon Rectum 2014; 57: 115-126.

Published: 26th August 2014

Authors: Ho YM, Smith SR, Pockney P, Lim P, Attia J

Conclusion

There were ten RCTs that included 612 procedures. Gum chewing reduced time to first flatus and first bowel movement by 31 min, and also reduced complications and length of stay by 0.5 days (P=0.007).

Pubmed Link