RCT Gum Chewing on Bowel Function After Abdominal Surgery in Children — GUM_RCT  

Postoperative Ileus Clinical Trial

Official title: The Effect of Gum Chewing on Return of Bowel Function After Abdominal Surgery in Children Over the Age of 4 Years

Status Withdrawn

Clinical Trial Summary

Traditional postoperative care has been challenged recently to improve and speedup recovery (including the return of bowel function) such that patients can be discharged to home more quickly. This approach includes earlier mobilization of the patient, and introducing solid food sooner. Additionally, there is evidence in adults to suggest that "sham feeding" by chewing gum may also speed up bowel recovery so the patient may tolerate a solid diet earlier.

The aim of this study is to determine if gum chewing can enhance bowel recovery in children who undergo abdominal surgery.

Clinical Trial Description

After intestinal surgery, many patients suffer from a "postoperative ileus" (POI). The cause is multifactorial and can be attributed to surgery itself, the lingering effect of the anesthetic, the use of narcotics and decreased mobility of the patient.

An ileus can delay the time to full diet, thus lengthening the hospital stay of the patient - sometimes up to several weeks.

There is evidence that early drinking/eating and increased mobility may accelerate the return of bowel function. "Fast-tracking" is well documented in the adult literature; protocols have been put in place to enhance GI tract recovery and thus decrease the morbidity of a prolonged hospital stay and ileus. "Fast-tracking" has been done in pediatric patients but not in a large RCT for abdominal surgery. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Postoperative Ileus

• NCT number: NCT02261454
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Alberta Children's Hospital
• Status: Withdrawn
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 2014
• Completion date: December 2015