The Effect of Chewing Gum on the Return of Bowel Activity after Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols advocate for early enteral feeding to prevent postoperative ileus. Chewing gum acts as a type of sham feeding that triggers the cephalic phase of digestion by stimulating the cephalic vagus nerve. This can enhance gastrointestinal motility and may lead to quicker recovery of gas and bowel movements.