Chewing gum for prevention of nausea and vomiting after elective Caesarean section: A pilot randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

Abstract Background Nausea and Vomiting are common complications in patients undergoing Caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia. When experienced after surgery, they may not only delay recovery, reduce patient satisfaction and affect the bonding between mother and baby but also may increase the risk of aspiration, which is a recognised cause of maternal death. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for prophylaxis and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) have been employed with different degree of efficacy. Aims In this pilot randomised controlled trial, we aimed to determine the possible preventative effects of chewing gum on the rate of PONV in expectant mothers undergoing neuraxial anaesthesia for elective lower segment caesarean section. Methods 296 patients were randomised to an intervention arm to receive chewing gum in addition to standard therapy and to a non-intervention arm to receive standard therapy. After exclusions 258 patients were followed up 24 hours post-operatively. Standard therapy is defined as Ondansetron 4mg IV intra-operatively. The primary outcomes were the incidences of nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours post-operatively. Secondary outcomes were the number of episodes of nausea or vomiting in the recovery room and on the ward 24 hours post-operatively, use of anti-emetics post-operatively, severity of nausea and patient satisfaction with the intervention. Results Our study revealed no significant differences in rates of post-operative nausea and vomiting between the intervention and standard therapy groups (41.4% v 36.9% p = 0.461). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between groups. Conclusion Chewing gum does not reduce the incidence of PONV after elective LSCS under spinal anaesthesia Trial Registration Our trial was registered with clinicaltrials.org (NCT04191694)