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

Use of chewing gum in reducing postoperative ileus after elective colorectal resection: a systematic review. Dis colon rectum 2007; 50: 2149¿2157.

Published: 1st January 2007

Authors: Chan MKY, Law WL.

Conclusion

There were five randomized trials including 158 patients for review. Gum chewing significantly speeded return of gut function (passage of flatus, bowel movement) and resulted in a 17.6 per cent reduction in the duration of hospital stay (weighted mean difference –2.4 days, P<0.0001).



 

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