Introduction It is common for ileus (intestinal obstruction) to occur after surgery in the abdominal area and is accompanied by complications and delayed healing. Aim of the study This study aimed to explore whether chewing gum after appendectomy accelerates the recovery of gastrointestinal function. Study hypothesis: It is hypothesized that chewing gum reduces postoperative ileus by improving early recovery of gastrointestinal function. Methods: Study design: : Randomized control trial was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the General Surgery Department at Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of 240 patients undergoing appendectomy were involved in this study; they were divided into the chewing sugar-free gum group (120) and the control group (120). Results: There were highly significant statistical differences in the time of resumption of gastrointestinal functions and postoperative ileus symptoms between the two groups (P<0.001), which was significantly shorter in the chewing gum group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The use of chewing gum is a useful and cheap method that can be employed to cut down the time to recover and accelerate normalization of gastrointestinal function. Recommendation: Chewing sugar-free gum after abdominal surgery is recommended to be added to the protocol of nursing care in the surgery units as well as its involvement in the nursing curriculum.