Effect of Sham Feeding on Postoperative Clinical Outcomes among Patients Undergoing Elective Abdominal and Gynecological Surgeries

Abstract

Sham feeding has been demonstrated to be one of the methods to increase bowel motility. Gum chewing, as an alternative to sham feeding, provides the benefits of gastrointestinal stimulation without the complications associated with feeding. Aim: to evaluate the effect of sham feeding on postoperative clinical outcomes among patients undergoing elective abdominal and gynecological surgeries. Subjects: A purposive sample including 150 patients who were admitted to the general surgical and gynecological unit for undergoing elective open abdominal surgeries such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hysterectomy, myomectomy. Were divided randomly into two equal groups 75 patients in each Study group (I): practice post-operative sham feeding in addition to the usual routine hospital care such as early mobilization and Control group (II): Follow the usual routine hospital care such as early mobilization only. Setting: The study was conducted at the general surgical and gynecological unit of Menoufia University Hospital. Instruments: Three instruments were utilized, I: A structured Interviewing Questionnaire, II: Postoperative Patient's Outcomes Questionnaire and III: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: Significant statistical differences existed between both groups regarding the time of resumption of gastrointestinal functions, postoperative ileus symptoms, and incidence of nausea, vomiting, pain and length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Patients who practiced chewing gum as alternative for sham feeding experience earlier return of bowel motility in terms of bowel sounds, first flatus and feeling of hunger than those patients who did not practice chewing gum. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in pain and length of hospital stay among patients who were practice chewing gum than those who were not. Recommendations: the study recommended that: Sham feeding in a form of gum chewing should be added in the protocol of postoperative nursing care and conducting further studies for evaluating the effect of sham feeding on postoperative ileus among patients undergoing abdominal and gynecological surgeries using a larger sample and different geographical areas.