Gallbladder Surgery Recovery: Chew Some Gum
Although recovery after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery takes much less time than traditional gallbladder surgery, here’s a tip that can help speed up the recovery by as much as one day. Chew some gum.
Two studies were conducted: one with 34 patients (in Pittsburgh) and another with 102 patients (conducted at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California). The study results showed that patient that chewed 3 sticks of gum each day after having laparoscopic surgery had shorter recovery times. After an operation the digestive system experiences a type of paralysis, called postoperative ileus. This causes the digestive system to be less active than normal. Chewing gum stimulates the nerve endings to the brain and to the stomach and helps stimulate bowel functions. It basically makes the body think it’s receiving a full meal. The sooner the body thinks it’s normal the sooner it will begin functioning normally. Additionally, chewing gum helps keep the mouth lubricated – important because many patients experience dry mouth after surgery.
The conclusion? Both studies found that chewing gum did indeed help stimulate the digestive system after laparoscopic surgery and speed up the recovery process.
For more information see: Gallbladder Surgery Recovery: Your Diet
Filed Under Gallbladder Surgery Recovery, Procedures, Reasons for Having Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery, Recovery Times | Leave a Comment
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