Abstract :
Background: Pregnant women are always considered full stomach with high incidence of nausea and
vomiting. Anti-emetic efficacy of Ondansetron has been proved in various studies. The aim of this present
study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of chewing gum as an alternative to Ondansetron in prevention
of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in parturients undergoing elective LSCS under spinal
anesthesia.
Materials and Methods: One hundred pregnant women who were found eligible as per inclusion and
exclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups by simple randomization into Group A (n=50)
who were given sugar free chewing gum which was to be chewed for 30 minutes three times a day starting
immediately after cesarean section and Group B (n=50) who received Inj. Ondanse tron 4mg twice a day
post operatively. The outcome measures were episodes of post-operative nausea and vomiting at 6, 12,
18 and 24 hours in both groups, relief of PONV and acceptability of treatment. The secondary outcome
measures time to first flatus. Statistical analysis was done through relevant tests using SPSS 16.0.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic
characteristics such as age, gravidity parity, duration of surgery and type of cesarean section. The incidence
of nausea and vomiting was significantly less in Group A compared with Group B at 6 and 12 hours post
operatively (p < 0>
groups. The mean average of the first passage of flatus in group A was 20.32.01 hours versus 29.62.51
hours in Group B (P
Conclusion: Gum chewing after cesarean section is safe, well tolerated, and acceptable for prevention of
post-operative nausea and vomiting and rapid resumption of intestinal motility and has potential impact on
reducing the overall healthcare costs in case of routine implementation.
Keyword :
Ondansetron, Chewing gum, Post operative nausea & vomiting, Elective LSCS.