Preoperative Chewing Gum and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

In the researchers' words

General anesthesia for surgery can often lead to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Additionally, decreased or paralyzed bowel movements are among the most common complications following abdominal surgery, causing pain, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting, which can delay patient recovery and extend hospital stays. Therefore, meticulous perioperative management is crucial. In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce the burden of surgery, decrease postoperative complications, and promote rapid rehabilitation for a quicker return to daily life. These efforts also aim to reduce healthcare costs by shortening hospital stays and optimizing resources. Various interventions, such as early feeding, early removal of nasogastric tubes, and physical therapy, have been trialed in clinical settings to prevent prolonged bowel inactivity and paralysis. However, due to limited clinical efficacy, these methods are not routinely used. Recently, many researchers have reported the benefits of chewing gum in enhancing bowel motility and reducing PONV. However, there is limited research on the impact of chewing gum on PONV in robotic surgeries, which are considered less invasive compared to open or laparoscopic surgeries. Furthermore, there is particularly scarce research on the effects of preoperative gum chewing.