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NCT Number: NCT07796529

Menthol Chewing Gum After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of menthol chewing gum on postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel function, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. A total of 50 patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=25) or a control group (n=25). Participants in the intervention group received menthol chewing gum in addition to standard postoperative care, while participants in the control group received standard postoperative care only. Nausea, bowel function, and postoperative recovery were assessed during the first three postoperative days.

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Key information

Conditions

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Bowel Functions Nausea Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Postoperative Recovery Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Digestive Vomiting

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital

Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Postoperative nausea and vomiting and delayed return of bowel function are common concerns following laparoscopic colorectal surgery and may affect postoperative recovery. Chewing gum is a non-pharmacological intervention that may stimulate gastrointestinal activity.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of menthol chewing gum on postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel function, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group.

Both groups received routine postoperative treatment and nursing care. In the intervention group, participants chewed menthol gum for 30 minutes and repeated the intervention three hours later. The same procedure was applied on the first, second, and third postoperative days. Participants in the control group received routine postoperative treatment and care without menthol chewing gum.

Postoperative nausea, bowel function, and recovery status were evaluated during the first three postoperative days. Postoperative recovery was assessed using the Surgical Recovery Status Scale, and nausea intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 18-60 years
  • Willing to participate in the study
  • At least literate
  • Able to communicate without cognitive, sensory, or verbal impairment
  • No diagnosed psychiatric disorder
  • No vertigo
  • Undergoing elective surgery
  • Not using sedative, anxiolytic, or similar medications
  • Able to speak Turkish
  • Able to chew gum
  • No allergy to menthol or mint
  • No history of jaw or oral surgery

Exclusion criteria

  • Absence of teeth
  • Unwilling to chew gum

Treatment and study plan

Menthol Chewing Gum

Behavioral

Participants chewed menthol gum for 30 minutes, followed by a second 30-minute chewing session three hours later. This intervention was repeated on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 in addition to standard postoperative care.

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Frequency

    Time frame: Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3

    The frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting was recorded for each participant during the first three postoperative days. Higher values indicate a greater frequency of nausea and vomiting.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Gas Passage Frequency

    Time frame: Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3

    The frequency of defecation was recorded during the first three postoperative days as an indicator of postoperative bowel function.

Other outcomes

  1. Postoperative Defecation Frequency

    Time frame: [Time Frame: Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3]

    The frequency of defecation was recorded during the first three postoperative days as an indicator of postoperative bowel function.

  2. Postoperative Recovery Status

    Time frame: Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3

    Postoperative recovery was assessed using the Surgical Recovery Status Scale. The scale consists of 25 items and five subscales: psychological symptoms, physical activities, general symptoms, bowel symptoms, and desire-related symptoms. Item scores are averaged to obtain the total score. Higher scores indicate greater difficulty in postoperative recovery, whereas lower scores indicate easier recovery.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sennur Kula Şahin

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Menthol Chewing Gum on Nausea and Vomiting, Bowel Function, and Recovery After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Sep 1, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 1, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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