 Four studies examining gum chewing as an intervention to prevent ileus were found. These relatively few studies with a sample of postoperative abdominal surgical patients have demonstrated inconsistencies. Two studies found that the chewing gum group passed flatus and had a bowel movement sooner than the control group. One of these studies found a decreased length of stay. Two other randomized control studies found no statistical significance between the gum chewing and control groups as far as post-operative ileus or length of stay. Because of the small sample size of the four studies and the inconsistencies of the results, there is not enough evidence to change practice. The inexpensive method of gum chewing may be useful to decrease ileus in post-operative colectomy patients, which will decrease costs and length of stay. It could also decrease pain, emesis, and morbidity for patients. There are no indications of risks associated with gum chewing as an adjunct therapy along with standard postoperative interventions. 