The Effect of Gum Chewing on Postoperative Ileus

Wake Forest University (WFU)

Status: Withdrawn

Conditions: Perforated Appendicitis

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Chewing Gum; Device: Motion sickness wristband

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00879294

CR1_IRB00005677

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to see if chewing gum after surgery for perforated appendicitis will shorten the time of intestinal dysfunction.

Full description

After operations for a ruptured appendix, children are usually not allowed to eat or drink anything. This is because the infection inside the abdomen and the manipulation of the intestines during the operation cause the bowels to stop their normal movement. The resulting lack of bowel function is called an "ileus". When this occurs, intestinal secretions and anything taken in by mouth can become backed up, causing bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Children are not allowed to eat or drink anything during this time and require fluid hydration through an IV or even nutrition through an IV. This ileus usually lasts an average of 4-5 days, and can sometimes delay the discharge of children who are otherwise ready to go. The purpose of this research study is to determine if simple things, like gum chewing or anti-motion sickness bracelets can help speed the time it takes for the bowels to begin working after an operation for a ruptured appendix. Because the gum is not swallowed, it does not have the same effects as eating and drinking would on someone with an ileus. The same is true for the anti-motion sickness bracelets. Yet, it is thought that the chewing action from gum may stimulate the intestines into thinking that food is on the way and cause them to start working sooner than they otherwise might. The same may be true for the bracelets, and some studies show them to be helpful with nausea after surgery. Nevertheless, the effects of a bracelet on postoperative ileus are unproven.

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 18 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• any child who has undergone appendectomy for perforated appendicitis

Exclusion criteria

• age less than or equal to 5 years
• unable to chew gum safely
• interval appendectomy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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0 participants in 3 patient groups

1 Wristband

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Some patients will be randomized to wear a motion sickness wristband which does not have any drug effect.

Treatment:

Device: Motion sickness wristband

Chewing Gum

Experimental group

Description:

Patients will be randomized to use chewing gum after surgery.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Chewing Gum

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Usual post-operative care.