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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01613274

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Colon Resection

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 3

Primary location

United Hospital

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

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)

Treatment and study plan

Gum Chewing

Other

gum chewing three times a day for up to 20 minutes

no gum chewing

Other

no gum chewing

Primary outcomes

  1. Time to first flatus

    Time frame: Every 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days

Secondary outcomes

  1. Time to first bowel movement

    Time frame: Every 4 hours following surgery until discharge, which is an average of 5 days

  2. Length of stay in days

    Time frame: Patients will be followed until discharge, which is an average of 5 days

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Allina Health System

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2012
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2014
First posted
Jun 7, 2012
Registry last updated
Apr 22, 2014

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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