Efficacy of Chewing Gum versus Early Mobilization on Bowel Motility for Children After Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Post-operative ileus is a major focus of concern for nurses because it increases duration of hospitalization, cost of care and post-operative morbidity. Aim: this study aimed to determine the efficacy of chewing gum versus early mobilization on bowel motility for children after abdominal surgery. Design: a quasi experimental research design. Subjects and method: a convenience sample of 90 children aged from 6 to 18 years. Setting: this study was conducted at the pediatric surgery unit in Assuit University Children's Hospital. Tools: two tools were used to collect the necessary data, a structured questionnaire and bowel motility monitoring sheet. Method: A pilot study was carried out on 10% of children to test the clarity and applicability of the sheet. Results: revealed that (56.7%) of the chewing gum group and (43.3%) of the early mobilization group return their bowel sound during 12-<24 hrs, time to return of bowel sound, passage of first flatus, first feces, return of appetite, time of liquid and regular diet were statistically significant difference in the chewing gum group while only time to passage of first flatus and first feces were statistically significant difference in the early mobilization group. Conclusion: it was found that chewing gum was slightly more effective than early mobilization but the difference was not statistically significant. Recommendation: the use of chewing gum and early mobilization as routine interventions to improve bowel motility for children after abdominal surgery.