Bowel Functions, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, Postoperative Recovery
Conditions
Keywords
Menthol Chewing Gum, Chewing Gum, Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, Bowel Function, Surgical Recovery, Nonpharmacological Intervention
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of menthol chewing gum on postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel function, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. A total of 50 patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=25) or a control group (n=25). Participants in the intervention group received menthol chewing gum in addition to standard postoperative care, while participants in the control group received standard postoperative care only. Nausea, bowel function, and postoperative recovery were assessed during the first three postoperative days.
Detailed description
Postoperative nausea and vomiting and delayed return of bowel function are common concerns following laparoscopic colorectal surgery and may affect postoperative recovery. Chewing gum is a non-pharmacological intervention that may stimulate gastrointestinal activity. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of menthol chewing gum on postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel function, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group. Both groups received routine postoperative treatment and nursing care. In the intervention group, participants chewed menthol gum for 30 minutes and repeated the intervention three hours later. The same procedure was applied on the first, second, and third postoperative days. Participants in the control group received routine postoperative treatment and care without menthol chewing gum. Postoperative nausea, bowel function, and recovery status were evaluated during the first three postoperative days. Postoperative recovery was assessed using the Surgical Recovery Status Scale, and nausea intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMenthol Chewing Gum
Participants chewed menthol gum for 30 minutes, followed by a second 30-minute chewing session three hours later. This intervention was repeated on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 in addition to standard postoperative care.
Sponsors
Sennur Kula Şahin
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE (Caregiver)
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the menthol chewing gum group or the standard care control group.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 18-60 years * Willing to participate in the study * At least literate * Able to communicate without cognitive, sensory, or verbal impairment * No diagnosed psychiatric disorder * No vertigo * Undergoing elective surgery * Not using sedative, anxiolytic, or similar medications * Able to speak Turkish * Able to chew gum * No allergy to menthol or mint * No history of jaw or oral surgery
Exclusion criteria
* Absence of teeth * Unwilling to chew gum
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Frequency | Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 | The frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting was recorded for each participant during the first three postoperative days. Higher values indicate a greater frequency of nausea and vomiting. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Postoperative Gas Passage Frequency | Postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 | The frequency of defecation was recorded during the first three postoperative days as an indicator of postoperative bowel function. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed