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Midwifery
Systematic review with meta-analysis
Chewing gum after caesarean section stimulates the gastrointestinal system
  1. Laurentiu Craciunas
  1. Clinical Academic Office, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
  1. Correspondence to : Dr Laurentiu Craciunas, Clinical Academic Office, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; lcraciunas{at}doctors.org.uk

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/eb-2015-102159

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    Commentary on: Hochner H, Tenfelde SM, Abu Ahmad W, et al. Gum chewing and gastrointestinal function following caesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs 2015;24:1795–804.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMed

    Implications for practice and research

    • Women who chew gum for 30–60 min at least three times a day will have a quicker return of bowel function as quantified by the time to first flatus, time to first bowel sounds, time to first bowel movement and the incidence of postoperative ileus after delivery by caesarean section.

    • Several meta-analyses have now highlighted the beneficial effect of chewing gum following caesarean section, therefore the recommendation for chewing should be included in postcaesarean section clinical guidelines.

    Context

    Abdominal surgery, including caesarean section, is associated with impairment of the gastrointestinal function. This …

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    Footnotes

    • Twitter Follow Laurentiu Craciunas at @laurcraciunas

    • Competing interests None declared.