Chewing Gum on Postoperative Ileus in Children

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA · Sep 7, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether chewing gum can help children recover faster after abdominal surgery. When kids have surgery, it can take some time for their stomachs and intestines to start working normally again, which is called bowel recovery. The study wants to see if letting children chew gum after surgery can speed up this process, allowing them to eat solid food sooner and leave the hospital quicker.

To participate in this study, children need to be at least 4 years old and have had abdominal surgery that requires them to stay in the hospital for more than a day. Unfortunately, younger children or those who can't chew gum for any reason, like certain medical conditions, won't be able to join. If eligible, participants will be asked to chew gum as part of their recovery process, and researchers will monitor how it affects their progress. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and families can get more information on how to join.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children more than or equal to 4 years of age
• • Children who undergo abdominal surgery (both laparoscopic or open)
• • Children who have an expected postoperative length of stay more than 24 hours
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children who are less than 4 years of age
• • Children who are unable to chew gum/swallow (e.g. intubated, decreased level of consciousness, cognitive or physical disability)
• • Children or their parents are not willing to sign consent
• • Children or their parents are unable to follow directions regarding gum chewing,
• • Children who have a GI dysmotility disorder (e.g. chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction)