Effect Of Sucking Lollipops On The Recovery Gastrintestinal Functions In Children Undergoing Stoma Reversal

A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the effect of sucking lollipops in the early postoperative period on the time to return bowel sounds and time to open bowels in children undergoing stoma reversal.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial
Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children’s Hospital Lahore from April 2020 to October 2020.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with IRB approval. Sixty (60) children with a stoma admitted for stoma reversal were randomized into group 1 (study)- children were instructed to suck on a strawberry lollipop for 20-30 min every 4hr beginning 6hr after the operation- and group 2 (control)- no intervention. The time to return bowel sounds and the time to bowel opening were compared.
Results: Both groups were comparable with respect to age of presentation and gender distribution. The mean time of recovery of bowel sounds in the study group was half of the control group (16.56±8.52 vs 33.50±15.99hrs, p-value <0.0001). Mean time to 1st bowel opening was also half in the study group as compared to the control group (33.3 ±23.46 vs 70.63 ±33.91hrs, p-value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Our study found that lollipop sucking soon after stoma reversal surgery improves postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function. This method is simple, convenient, safe, economical, and amenable to children, and should be recommended for use in similar patient groups.
Keywords: Bowel function, Lollipop sucking, Stoma reversal.