Impact of sugarless chewing gum versus peppermint on first bowel movement after cesarean section; Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

esarean section is a commonly performed surgical procedure and it accounts for more than 55% of all deliveries in Egypt. After abdominal surgery the patient has to remain nil by mouth for certain hours or until the return of bowel movements which is characterized by presence of bowel sounds or passing the flatus. In obstetrics after performing the caesarean section, time for starting of oral fluids or food vary from one another, which may range from starting of fluids or food early to after 24hrs or more. Early postoperative feeding has been related to some additional advantages such as rapid return of bowel sounds and a significant decrease in hospital stay, prompt recovery of the patient and early initiation of breast feeding in obstetrical patients. The logical basis of an early enteral feeding is that the food intake can stimulate a reflex that produces propulsive co-ordinated gut activity and it also may elicit the secretion of some gastro-intestinal hormones, thus causing positive effect on bowel motility and hence having an advantage over the concept of waiting for bowel sounds to return and then to start orally in postoperative scenario.