Effect of Chewing Gum on Postoperative Bowel Function Following Upper GI Tract Cancer Surgery

Every patient undergoing surgery in the abdomen will experience temporary paralysis of bowel function. This study evaluates whether chewing gum can reduce the bowel paralysis after surgery in patients undergoing either esophageal resection or whipples procedure. Half the study population will receive chewing gum while the other half will act as control.