Effect of gum chewing and coffee consumption on intestinal motility in caesarean sections

Aim: The time to first postoperative flatulence and defaecation are two of the main factors that determine caesarean patient comfort and morbidity. In this study, the effect of postoperative gum chewing and decaffeinated coffee consumption on intestinal motility was tested in full-term caesarean sections without complication with a prospective, randomised controlled trial. Material and Method: 100 women who underwent caesarean section without a complication were divided into 4 groups using the simple randomisation method: Group 1 (women given sugar-free gum at 4-hour intervals after postoperative hour 2 until defaecation) n:25; Group 2 (women given 100 mL coffee at 4-hour intervals beginning from postoperative hour 2 until defaecation for three times a day) n:25; Group 3 (Sham group—women given 100 ml hot water at 4-hour intervals beginning from postoperative hour 2 until defaecation for three times a day) n:25; and Group 4 (control group) n:25. Time to sensation of first bowel movement and time to passage of first flatus and defaecation were compared between the groups. Results: Times to sensation of first bowel movement and passage of first flatus were significantly shorter in Group 1 compared to the sham and control groups. Time to first defaecation was also detected to be significantly shorter in Groups 1, 2, and 3 compared to the control group. No significant difference could be detected between the groups. Discussion: Sugar-free gum chewing and decaffeinated coffee consumption during postoperative period after caesarean section may decrease the time to first flatulence and defaecation and thus, the hospitalisation time.