Effect of chewing gum chewing on nausea vomiting and intestinal function in surgical patients

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of chewing gum on nausea-vomiting and bowel function in surgical patients. Materials and Methods: This research is a controlled experimental study. A total of 60 patients-hospitalized in Hafsa Sultan Hospital General Surgery Service-30 without chewing gum and 30 patients chewing gum were included in the study. Thirty patients were taken to control group. The intervention group (30 patients) was formed according to the inclusion criteria. After the surgery, the intervention group was allowed to chew gum for 15-30 min three times (2.- 4.- 6. hours) starting from the second hour after admission to the service. The questionnaire and nausea, vomiting, bowel functions and discharge time of both the control and intervention groups were evaluated at the 6th and 24th hours after the patient was brought to the surgical service with the follow up form. Indications: In our study, a statistically significant difference was found between the patients in the control and intervention groups in the postoperative period between 0-6 hours (x²=4.320 p˂0.05). The group that chewing gum was found to be discharged earlier (x²=4.286 p˂0.05; Z=-2.053 p˂0.05) and the difference between them was significant. It was determined that patients who chewed gum suffered 5.09 times less vomiting between 0-6 hours compared to those who did not chew and were discharged in 3.00 times less time. Conclusion: In this study, the positive effects of chewing gum on nausea, vomiting, intestinal function and early discharge were found. It is advisable to ensure that chewing gum takes place among nursing interventions for patients in need of postoperative period. Keywords: Postoperative period, gum, nausea, vomiting and intestinal functions.