Gum chewing is associated with early recovery of bowel motility and shorter length of hospital stay for women after caesarean section.

Context Caesarian section (CS) is one of the most common types of surgical procedure performed worldwide. Postoperative ileus (POI) is a recognised consequence of abdominal surgery, defined as the ‘transient cessation of coordinated bowel motility after surgical intervention, which prevents effective transit of intestinal contents and/or tolerance of intake’. POI is associated with delayed recovery, prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare costs. Despite evidence showing the benefit of gum chewing in the reduction of POI following gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, a conflicting evidence base surrounds its use following CS. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effect of chewing gum on postoperative recovery following CS in order to determine its efficacy in routine postoperative care.