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

Study Overview
=================
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.

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

Conditions
-----------------
Colon Resection

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: gum chewing
* Other: no gum chewing


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Admitted to Unit 2600 Age 18-100 years of age Alert and oriented Post-operative open or laparoscopic colon resection English speaking. Exclusion Criteria: Confused, or with cognitive disabilities that render the patient unable to answer questions about bowel motility. Admitted to any other unit except 2600 Use of an epidural catheter for pain control post-operatively Documented history of irritable bowel syndrome Colostomy (new or old)

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Gum chewing<br>Chewing mint flavored sugarless gum for 10-20 minutes three times a day following colon resection. | Other: gum chewing<br>* gum chewing three times a day for up to 20 minutes<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: no gum chewing<br>no gum chewing | Other: no gum chewing<br>* no gum chewing<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time to first flatus |  | Every 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time to first bowel movement |  | Every 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days | 
| Length of stay in days |  | Patients will be followed until discharge, which is an average of 5 days | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
colon resection