After colon surgery, using nicotine gum doesn't seem to cause more heart problems, infections, or deaths than regular gum.
Scientific Claim
Nicotine chewing gum (2 mg) is not associated with an increased risk of major postoperative complications, cardiovascular events, or mortality in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, based on a pilot trial of 40 patients.
Original Statement
“No myocardial infarctions were registered in this study and only one patient had one short period of atrial fibrillation... No differences were found in major and minor postoperative complications, reinterventions, readmissions and mortality between the normal and nicotine chewing gum groups.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study design (RCT with comprehensive safety monitoring) supports definitive statements about safety within the study population, as no adverse events were significantly increased.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Nicotine chewing gum for the prevention of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery: a multicenter, double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot study
The study gave some patients nicotine gum and others regular gum after bowel surgery and found no more problems like heart issues or infections in those who got nicotine gum — so it’s safe.