The effects of oral preoperative carbohydrates administration on postoperative outcome


Abstract in English

Introduction: Ileus commonly occurs after abdominal surgery, and is associated with complications and increased length of hospital stay (LOHS). Traditionally, preoperative practice has been to fast the patient for up to 12 h prior to surgery. The rationale for this is to reduce gastric acidity and volume with a consequent decrease in the risk of gastric content aspiration during surgery. However, A Cochrane review found no increased risk of aspiration in patients who were allowed fluids 2–3 h prior to surgery compared to patients having undergone a traditional fasting period .. A carbohydrate-rich beverage given before anaesthesia and surgery alters metabolism from the overnight fasted to the fed state. This reduces the catabolic response (insulin resistance) after operation, which may have implications for postoperative recovery. Aim : to investigates the effect of preoperative carbohydrate treatment on postoperative ileus in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Material and methods: fifty abdominal surgery patients were randomly assigned to preparation with a 12.5% carbohydrate drink (CHO) (25), or overnight fasting group (25). The CHO group were given 600 mL to drink on the evening before and 400 mL on the morning of surgery. The patients' complains of nausea and vomiting was noted, the length hospital stay and the duration of postoperative ileus (POI), was measured in tow groups. Conclusions: This study showed that pre-operative carbohydrate drink may be used safely and also improves patient's comfort as decrease rate of nausea and vomiting and reduce the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

References used

SHORT V1, HERBERT G, PERRY R, ATKINSON C, NESS AR, PENFOLD C, THOMAS S, ANDERSEN HK, LEWIS SJ. Chewing gum for postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 20;2
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SENAGORE AJ1. Pathogenesis and clinical and economic consequences of postoperative ileus. Am J HEALTH Syst Pharm. 2007 Oct 15;64(20 Suppl 13):S3-7

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