BACKGROUND: The correlation between sham feeding and acute pancreatitis (AP) has only been examined in limited studies. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sham feeding in the early stage of AP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Equal groups of AP patients were recruited. Patients in the sham feeding group received chewing gum 4 times a day after admission. All patients in the trial received standard treatment consistent with the guidelines for AP. The primary outcomes were mortality, length of stay (LOS), and medical expenses. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of complications and other adverse events, return of gastrointestinal function, the details of enteral nutrition and intra-abdominal pressure.

RESULTS: From May 2014 to December 2015, a total of 204 patients were recruited. The LOS and hospital costs in the sham feeding group were reduced, although mortality was equivalent between groups. The return of gastrointestinal function occurred earlier in the sham feeding group, with no complications related to gum chewing.

CONCLUSIONS: Sham feeding with chewing gum is safe and efficacious in the early stage of AP.

Keywords: Chewing Gum, Randomized controlled trial