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

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Colon Resection
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.

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
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Time to first flatusEvery 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Length of stay in daysPatients will be followed until discharge, which is an average of 5 days
Time to first bowel movementEvery 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

United Hospital

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

St Paul, Minnesota, United States

United Hospital
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈSt Paul, Minnesota, United States

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