Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
-
Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of randomized studies evaluating chewing gum to enhance postoperative recovery following colectomy.
To compare outcomes following abdominal surgery with or without the use of chewing gum in the early postoperative period. ⋯ Chewing gum may enhance intestinal recovery following colectomy and reduce the length of hospital stay. Owing to the potential for substantial cost savings, larger-scale, blinded, randomized controlled trials with placebo arms are warranted.