Chewing gum in reducing duration of post operative Ileus

Post operative (PO) ileus is a frustrating problem for patients undergoing laparotomy. Chewing gum was tried in 25 patients undergoing laparotomy for peritonitis due to appendicular perforation/ appendicular abscess. The mean duration from surgery to passing of first flatus and passing of first stools were studied. The chewing gum group showed significant reduction in passing first flatus by 18 hours P<0.002 and 31.12hrs P<0.001 between passing first flatus and stools. Surprisingly duration of surgery showed no effect on duration of PO Ileus. (P<0.051)