ObjectiveTo assess the effect of chewing gum on the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function in patients with colorectal cancer. MethodsA comprehensive search for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in domestic and international databases such as PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Full-text Database, Chinese Periodicals Full-text Database, Wanfang data, and other databases, with a timeframe up to September 2023. The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Simultaneously, the literature quality evaluation and data extraction were performed. The continuous variables were described using mean difference (95% confidence interval) and the binary variables were described using odds ratio (95% confidence interval). Test level was α=0.05. ResultsA total of 28 RCTs covering 2 523 postoperative colorectal cancer patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that the postoperative chewing gum could shorten the time of the first flatus [–11.99 (–14.45, –9.53)], the first defecation [–18.79 (–23.58, –14.00)], the first bowel sounds [–6.35 (–6.64, –6.06)] or the first starvation [–5.20 (–10.11, –0.28)], and the hospital stay [–1.35 (–1.99, –0.70)], as well as could increase the serum gastrin level [23.70 (14.88, 32.53)]. Furthermore, it also could decrease the incidence of postoperative complications, such as nausea [0.66 (0.48, 0.91)], abdominal distension [0.48 (0.35, 0.67)], and intestinal obstruction [0.34 (0.20, 0.59)]. However, there was a non-significant effect on vomiting [0.81 (0.60, 1.09)] or time of the first oral intake [–0.67 (–1.99, 0.65)]. ConclusionsFrom the results of this meta-analysis, postoperative gum chewing aids to promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduce the risk of postoperative complications in colorectal cancer patients. Although further studies are needed to verify the long-term effects and the feasibility of clinical application, the results of this study provide an important empirical support for the utilize of chewing gum in the management of postoperative gastrointestinal function.
Objective To explore the nursing effect of using Neiguan acupoint massage combined with chewing gum in patients undergoing day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods A prospective study was conducted on patients who underwent day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between March 2023 and March 2024. The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the intervention group according to a random number table. The control group received routine care, while the intervention group received chewing gum and Neiguan acupoint massage intervention at the P6 acupoint in addition to routine care. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain scores, gastrointestinal function recovery time, medication use, and hospitalization related indicators were compared between the two groups of patients after surgery. Results A total of 298 patients were included. Among them, there were 163 cases in the control group and 135 cases in the intervention group. The incidence of PONV at 0.5 and 2 hours after surgery and the pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The first bowel sounds recovery time, anal exhaust time, and eating time in the intervention group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.05). Twenty-four hours after surgery, the usage rate of analgesic drugs (6.67% vs. 14.11%) and the usage rate of rescue antiemetic drugs (2.96% vs. 8.59%) in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the delayed discharge rate or total cost between the two groups (P>0.05). The nursing satisfaction of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group (99.26% vs. 93.25%, P<0.05). Conclusions After the combination of Neiguan acupoint massage and chewing gum intervention in patients undergoingin day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the PONV incidence and pain are significantly reduced, gastrointestinal functions recover faster, drug use rate is low, patient nursing satisfaction is high. This method can be promoted and applied.