The effect of chewing gum on intestinal functions, postoperative pain, and early discharge after isolated coronary bypass surgery

Aim: Abdominal distension is a significant problem that may occur after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of postoperative gum chewing on bowel function, pain levels, and early discharge in patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery.Material and Methods: Patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery at the Health Sciences University were prospectively included in this non-randomized study between June 2021 and December 2021.The study group (single-use gum chewed for at least 15 minutes (min) and a maximum of 30 minutes each time, at the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th hours after checking for swallowing reflex and orientation 4 hours after extubation) included 24 patients.With 24 controls, 48 patients were thus included in the study.Results: There was no difference between the groups regarding gender, hypertension (HT), body mass index, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rates, education levels, and defecation habits.A significant increase in bowel sounds and a significant decrease in pain levels were detected 15 to 30 minutes after chewing gum at all times, during the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th postoperative hours (P < 0.001 for all parameters).Discussion: Chewing gum early after CABG may allow bowel functions to return earlier.It can also reduce pain levels.However, there was no significant effect on early discharge.