The Use of Chewing Gum Reduces Post-operative Ileus and Gastrointestinal Complications in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients.
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Scoliosis
- Sponsor
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Enrollment
- 83
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Time to return of normal bowel function.
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 11 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gum on reducing post-operative ileus and reducing post-operative gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis. This study would provide minimal risk to its study population, and has the opportunity to provide a benefit to patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. If shown to be effective, this could lead to changes and improvement of the post-operative course for pediatric scoliosis patients.
Investigators
Joseph G. Khoury, MD
Assistant Professor - Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Otherwise meets criteria for surgical correction of scoliosis
- •Mental capacity to understand the purpose of the study
- •Idiopathic scoliosis or neuromuscular scoliosis with mild cerebral involvement
- •Posterior surgery approach only
Exclusion Criteria
- •Unable to safely chew gum due to oropharyngeal issues or airway issues
- •History of GI surgery (G-tube, fundoplication, ostomy etc...)
- •Anterior approach
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Time to return of normal bowel function.
Time Frame: 72-96 hours
Patients are interviewed daily as inpatient and then several days after surgery to determine the time (reported in hours post-operative) first flatus and first bowel movement was experienced.