ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect and influence of gum chewing on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in gynecological patients after operation. MethodsEBSCO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials of gum chewing on gastrointestinal function recovery in patients after gynecological surgery from inception to September 30th, 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk bias of included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was then used to perform the meta-analysis. ResultsA total of 9 studies were included, involving 962 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the time of first flatus (MD=–8.34, 95%CI –10.72 to –5.95, P<0.000 01), the time of first defecation (MD=–14.97, 95%CI –29.28 to –0.66, P<0.04), and the recovery time of bowel sounds (MD=–5.83, 95%CI –10.15 to –1.51, P=0.008) of gum chewing group was significantly shorter than that of the control group, and the incidence of abdominal distension was decreased after gynecological surgery (RR=0.24, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.74, P=0.01). According to the results of subgroup analysis, the time of first flatus of the gum chewing group was significantly shorter than that of the control group in laparoscopy (MD=–5.43, 95%CI –7.12 to –3.73, P<0.000 01), laparotomy (MD=–10.46, 95%CI –13.56 to –7.97, P<0.000 01) and abdominal surgery (MD=–10.64, 95%CI –13.01 to –8.26, P<0.000 01); the first defecation time after laparotomy (MD=–29.18, 95%CI –46.03 to –12.33, P=0.000 7), and abdominal surgery (MD=–14.24, 95%CI –24.27 to –4.21, P=0.005) in chewing gum group was significantly shorter than that in the control group; however, there was no significant difference in the laparoscopy group (MD=–2.97, 95%CI –12.94 to 7.00, P=0.56). ConclusionsThe systematic review and meta-analysis shows that gum chewing after gynecological surgery can shorten the time of first flatus, first defecation, and first bowel movement, and reduce the incidence of abdominal distension. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusions.