The Effect of Gum Chewing on Bowel Motility in Post-operative Colon Resection Patients

Phase 3

Completed

• Conditions: Colon Resection
• Interventions: Other: gum chewing; Other: no gum chewing

• Registration Number: NCT01613274
• Lead Sponsor: Allina Health System

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if chewing mint-flavored sugarless gum after colon resection surgery decrease the time to first flatus, bowel movement and length of stay in the hospital.

Detailed Description

Post-operative colon resection patients experience decreased bowel motility, which may cause pain, nausea/ vomiting, impaired nutritional intake, and abdominal distention. Return of bowel function is a strong determinant in length of hospital stay. There are small studies that have shown that chewing gum post-operatively may enhance bowel motility thus minimizing complications and decreasing length of hospital stay. The purpose of this research study is to determine the effect of gum chewing on bowel motility as measured by time to first flatus, bowel movement and length of stay in patients following a colon resection.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-06
• Study First Submitted: 2012-06-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2012-06-05
• Study First Posted: 2012-06-07
• Primary Completion: 2014-03
• Status Verified: 2014-04
• Study Completion: 2014-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-04-21
• Last Update Posted: 2014-04-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

1. Admitted to Unit 2600
2. Age 18-100 years of age
3. Alert and oriented
4. Post-operative open or laparoscopic colon resection
5. English speaking.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Confused, or with cognitive disabilities that render the patient unable to answer questions about bowel motility.
2. Admitted to any other unit except 2600
3. Use of an epidural catheter for pain control post-operatively
4. Documented history of irritable bowel syndrome
5. Colostomy (new or old)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Gum chewing	gum chewing	Chewing mint flavored sugarless gum for 10-20 minutes three times a day following colon resection.
no gum chewing	no gum chewing	no gum chewing

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Time to first flatus	Every 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Length of stay in days	Patients will be followed until discharge, which is an average of 5 days
Time to first bowel movement	Every 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

United Hospital; 🇺🇸 St Paul, Minnesota, United States