Effect of Gum-chewing on Postoperative Recovery of Gut Functions: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial

INTERVENTION: Commercially available sugar‐free chewing gum in peppermint flavour. One piece is administered four times a day and the participants in the treatment arm are asked to chew the gum for 15minutes each time. Treatment is commenced as soon as practicable following the surgery (usually on admission to ward) and continue until post‐operative day 14 or discharge, whichever occurs earlier. CONDITION: Postoperative ileus PRIMARY OUTCOME: Length of stay Time to first bowel motion time to tolerance of normal diet SECONDARY OUTCOME: Incidence of postoperative complications including prolonged ileus requiring nasogastric tube insertion, wound dehiscence, readmission to intensive care unit, unplanned readmission within 30 days Incidence of symptoms of ileus including nausea, vomiting and bloating Pain score on a visual analogue scale INCLUSION CRITERIA: Elective surgery involving any form of gastric or bowel resection with or without primary anastomosis.