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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

Published in:

01-05-2009 | Original Article

Sham feed or sham? A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of gum chewing on gut function after elective colorectal surgery

Authors: Craig N. Parnaby, Alisdair J. MacDonald, John T. Jenkins

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 5/2009

Abstract

Purpose

Enhanced recovery programs aim to expedite gut function after elective colorectal surgery. Early oral feeding simulates gut function but is not always feasible. Gum chewing, a form of sham feed, is an alternative. We assessed current evidence for gum chewing and gut function.

Study design

All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between 1990 and 2008 comparing gum chewing with controls/placebo were analyzed irrespective of language, blinding, or publication bias. The Jadad scale was used to assess study quality. Endpoints were time to flatus/feces, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. Random and fixed models were employed to aggregate study endpoints and assess heterogeneity.

Results

Six RCTs containing 256 patients were included. Significant heterogeneity was identified and random effects model was employed. Heterogeneity may be explained through variations in delivery of surgical care. Significant reductions in the time to flatus and time to feces were identified but no significant difference in hospital or in-hospital postoperative complications were found.

Conclusions

Gum chewing significantly reduced time to flatus and feces; however, hospital stay and postoperative complications were not reduced. Significant study heterogeneity means that these results should be interpreted with caution.

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Title: Sham feed or sham? A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of gum chewing on gut function after elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Craig N. Parnaby
Alisdair J. MacDonald
John T. Jenkins
Publication date: 01-05-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 5/2009
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0661-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sham feed or sham? A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of gum chewing on gut function after elective colorectal surgery

Abstract

Purpose

Study design

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Study design

Results

Conclusions

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