Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gum in reducing the time taken for bowel sounds to return, the time taken for the first passage of flatus and defecation, and nausea and vomiting following colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods: A prospective, two-arm (1:1), single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to either the gum-chewing group (n = 42) or the control group (n = 42). The gum-chewing group began chewing gum on the first postoperative day, chewing one piece for 15 min three times daily, while the control group received standard care. Recovery of bowel function was assessed by monitoring bowel sounds (every 2 h by the same investigator), patient-reported first passage of flatus, and documented first defecation. Data were collected using an individual information form, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, and relevant clinical records.

Results: Significant differences were found between groups. The gum-chewing group had a shorter time to return of bowel sounds (8.94 ± 0.98 h vs. 15.86 ± 1.14 h), first passage of flatus (15.43 ± 4.48 h vs. 24.86 ± 13.90 h), and first defecation (22.86 ± 8.85 h vs. 30.74 ± 20.20 h) compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Gum chewing effectively accelerated the recovery of bowel function after colorectal cancer surgery by reducing the time to return of bowel sounds, first passage of flatus, and first defecation.

Registration: www.

Clinicaltrials: gov NCT06029790.