In surgical procedures under general anesthesia, 6 to 8 hours of a
A group of 30 adult patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia were enrolled. The enrolled study group of patients was permitted to drink a carbohydrate-rich solution until two hours before the operation without volume limitation. Respiratory complication was investigated in the patients using the carbohydrate-rich solution until two hours before induction of general anesthesia. The feelings of thirst, hunger sense were measured pre- and post-operatively. In addition, hoarseness of voice, nausea and vomiting were investigated post-operatively. Satisfaction regarding the short time of fasting was measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for measurement of these six variables.
No patients showed serious respiratory complication such as dyspnea, desaturation. Eight of 30 study group patients complained of mild hoarseness. Most symptoms of hoarseness were mild, with VAS score less than 3 out of 10. Two patients complained 5 out of 10. Six patients felt nausea and 1 patient had vomiting. Pre/post-operative hunger sense and thirst feeling were 1.63/1.60 and 1.90/5.76, respectively. The satisfaction score was 3.00 out of 4.
Allowing the administration of an oral carbohydrate-rich solution in elective surgery patients requiring general anesthesia is safe without serious respiratory complications and effective in providing satisfaction.
Reducing preoperative fasting time showed positive effects in several studies, and current guidelines suggest use of a preoperative oral carbohydrate-rich solution before elective surgeries. For elective colectomy procedures, some surgeons favor two-day bowel preparation with diet restriction and administration of laxatives. Aside from patients experiencing the discomfort of nil per os (NPO), there are reported benefits regarding intake of liquids until at least two hours prior to surgery, including decrease in insulin resistance, without additional postoperative surgical complications. The aim of this study is to show the benefits of administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) two hours prior to surgery for patients undergoing elective colectomy, particularly postoperative insulin resistance.
This is a randomized controlled trial. All patients undergoing elective colectomy were included and randomized to the control arm or treatment arm. The control arm consisted of the standard bowel preparation and one day of NPO, while the treatment arm consisted of the standard bowel preparation and allowing intake of carbohydrate-rich ORS until 2 hours before surgery. The insulin, glucose, cortisol, and triglyceride levels were determined immediately after induction, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours post-op, and compared. The homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, insulin, glucose, cortisol, and triglyceride levels were determined and compared between the two groups. Anxiety and postoperative complications were monitored and assessed as well.
There was less insulin resistance in patients who received ORS 2 hours prior to surgery. Insulin, glucose, cortisol, and triglyceride levels were lower in the treatment group compared to the control group. Taking ORS 1 day prior and until 2 hours before surgery decreased anxiety and discomfort, and alleviated hunger.
Regarding complications, there was no difference in the incidence of aspiration and postoperative complications. There were fewer wound complications and incidence of paralytic ileus in the treatment group.