Effects of Chewing Gum on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication that brings discomfort to patients. Many researchers believe chewing gum can promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function. However, it is unclear whether chewing gum could reduce the incidence of PONV. This paper conducted a meta-analysis by systematically reviewing all literature to explore the relationship between chewing gum and PONV. Method: We searched in eight major databases for all clinical trials exploring chewing gum and PONV. Statistical analyses were conducted by Stata and Revman Software. Results: In all, there are 36 eligible studies for our meta-analysis. We found a significant difference between the chewing gum group and the control group on the incidence of PONV (OR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.77; I2:49.0%; p<.001), on the incidence of nausea (OR:0.66; 95%CI: 0.51 to 0.84; I2: 15.0%; p<.001), on the incidence of vomiting (OR:0.58; 95%CI: 0.43 to 0.80; I2: 20.0%; p<.001). In subgroup meta-analysis, there is remarkable difference merely in gynecological and obstetrics surgery on the incidence of PONV (OR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.25 to 0.73; I2:17.0%; p=.002), on the incidence of nausea (OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.37 to 0.84; I2:34.0%; p=.005), on the incidence of vomiting (OR: 0.47; 95%CI: 0.27 to 0.81; I2:39.0%; p=.006). No obvious difference between the two groups was found in other surgery. Besides, there is no difference between the two groups in the use of antiemetics. Conclusion: Chewing gum could decrease the incidence of PONV, especially in gynecology and obstetrics surgery.