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Analysis Study Research Paper | Obstetrics and Gynecology | India | Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2024 | Popularity: 6.1 / 10

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Chewing Gum after Caesarean Section: Effect on Bowel Function Recovery

Srinivasan S, Kalita P, Sonowal R

Abstract: Increased caesarean - associated morbidities and postoperative complications, such as postoperative ileus, which affects up to 20% of post - caesarean cases, are observed in India. Chewing gum appears to be a solution to expedite bowel function in patients following caesarean sections. To assess the effects of gum chewing on post - caesarean women, 150 patients were equally divided and randomly assigned into a gum - chewing group and a control group. The control group was given the usual post - operative directions, whereas the chewing group was instructed to chew sugar - free gum post - operatively. Bowel function recovery was evaluated with an oral questionnaire which enquired about the time taken for the first feeling of hunger, and the first passage of flatus and stool. The study revealed that the gum chewing group had a significantly earlier recovery of bowel function and also a notably shorter hospital stay. The mean time for the first feeling of hunger was 7.43 hours earlier in the gum chewing group. The mean time for passage of flatus and stool was 9.55 and 5.28 hours earlier, respectively, in the gum chewing group. The patients in the gum - chewing group were discharged at a mean of 0.92 days (22.08 hours) earlier than the standard care group. Gum chewing, a safe, practical, and inexpensive practice, can be a vital strategy to prevent such a common postoperative complication like post - operative ileus apart from contributing to their dental care.

Keywords: post-caesarean recovery, gum chewing benefits, bowel function recovery, postoperative ileus prevention, shorter hospital stay

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2024

Pages: 9 - 12

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24729173319

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