Effect of Xylitol Gum Chewing on Postoperative Bowel Activity

Altogether, 75 patients undergoing elective laparoscopy cholecystectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups (final numbers, xylitol chewing gum: 24 controls, xylitol free chewing gum:25 and control 25 patients). Controls underwent a routine postoperative regimen. Both groups chewed gum 3 times a day except the control group. Other postoperative management was routine. First flatus, first bowel movement, first defecation, first mobilization time, and discharge time from hospital were recorded. Symptoms included nausea, and vomiting.

Purpose: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the standard treatment for gallbladder surgery due to its advantages over open surgery. However, postoperative ileus (POI) remains a common complication. Gum chewing has been proposed to stimulate bowel function post-surgery, but it's unclear whether xylitol in gum influences outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of postoperative xylitol gum chewing on gastrointestinal functional recovery after laparoscopy. Design: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial Methods: Altogether, 75 patients undergoing elective laparoscopy cholecystectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups (final numbers, xylitol chewing gum: 24 controls, xylitol free chewing gum:25 and control 25 patients). Controls underwent a routine postoperative regimen. Both groups chewed gum 3 times a day except the control group. Other postoperative management was routine. The first flatus, first bowel movement, first defecation, first mobilization time, and discharge time from the hospital were recorded. Symptoms included nausea and vomiting.