Chewing Gum Facilitates an Earlier Return to Bowel Function in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients: A Prospective Randomized Study
Chewing Gum Facilitates an Earlier Return to Bowel Function in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients: A Prospective Randomized Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gum on reducing
 post-operative ileus and reducing post-operative gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric
 patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis. This study would provide minimal risk
 to its study population, and has the opportunity to provide a benefit to patients undergoing
 scoliosis surgery. If shown to be effective, this could lead to changes and improvement of
 the post-operative course for pediatric scoliosis patients.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Otherwise meets criteria for surgical correction of scoliosis

 -  Mental capacity to understand the purpose of the study

 -  Idiopathic scoliosis or neuromuscular scoliosis with mild cerebral involvement

 -  Posterior surgery approach only

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Unable to safely chew gum due to oropharyngeal issues or airway issues

 -  History of GI surgery (G-tube, fundoplication, ostomy etc...)

 -  Anterior approach