Postoperative ileus in abdominal surgery: in search for a solution to a current problem

In abdominal surgery, after operations on the abdominal cavity, it is possible to develop disturbances in the normal coordinated propulsive motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This episode of gastrointestinal hypomotility or the state of dynamic ileus is referred to as postoperative ileus (POI) or postoperative gastrointestinal tract paresis. The incidence of POI in the clinic of abdominal surgery ranges from 10 to 30%. Chewing gum has been used in surgery to relieve postoperative intestinal obstruction since the early 21st century. The present review considers the main randomized clinical trials, reviews and meta-analyses on the study of the effect of chewing gum in abdominal surgery for the prevention of postoperative ileus. The data presented in the review indicate the effectiveness and safety of the use of chewing gum in the postoperative period for the prevention of POI in abdominal surgery and surgical interventions in related areas.