Effects of Gum Chewing on Recovery of Bowel Function Following Abdominal Surgery for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Following extensive abdominal surgery for the treatment of endometrial or ovarian cancer, paralytic ileus frequently develops. Gum chewing can promotes the return of bowel function through the cephalic-vagal reflex and increased intestinal enzymes secretion. The objectives of this study are to evaluate effects of adding gum chewing to the conventional postoperative feeding protocol on the return of bowel function, its related complications, and patients' satisfaction.

Official Title
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Effects of Gum Chewing on Recovery of Bowel Function Following Abdominal Surgery for Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Paralytic Ileus

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Gum chewing


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing staging or cytoreductive surgery for primary endometrial or ovarian cancer at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai hospital Exclusion Criteria: Perioperative hyperalimentation Recent chemotherapy (within 3 weeks before surgery) Previous bowel surgery Inflammatory bowel diseases Previous abdominal or pelvic radiation Need for immediate postoperative endotracheal intubation Need for postoperative admission to intensive care unit Undergoing emergency surgery with oral intake of fluid or food within 4 hours before surgery

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Gum chewing<br>Gum chewing (30 minutes in duration each time, 4 times/days at the usual time of meal, until the first flatus) in addition to conventional postoperative feeding schedule | Behavioral: Gum chewing<br>* Gum chewing (30 minutes in duration each time, 4 times/days at the usual time of meal, until the first flatus) in addition to conventional postoperative feeding schedule<br>|
| No Intervention: Conventional<br>Conventional postoperative feeding schedule | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time to first flatus |  | Up to 7 days after surgery | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Incidence and severity of postoperative nausea, vomiting,and abdominal discomfort |  | Up to 7 days after surgery | 
| Incidence of postoperative complications |  | Up to 7 days after surgery | 
| Time to first regular diet |  | Up to 7 days after surgery | 
| Time to first defecation |  | Up to 7 days after surgery | 
| Postoperative analgesics requirement |  | Up to 7 days after surgery | 
| Hospital stay |  | On the day of hospital discharge, an expected average of 7 days | 
| Patients' satisfaction |  | Up to 7 days after surgery |