Objective:
to investigate the effects of preoperative fasting abbreviation with oral supplementation with carbohydrate in the evolution of grip strength in patients undergoing cholecystectomy by laparotomy.
Methods
: we conducted a clinical, randomizeddouble blind study with adult female patients, aged 18-60 years. Patients were divided into two groups: Control Group, with fasting prescription 6-8h until the time of operation; and Intervention Group, which received prescription of fasting for solids 6-8h before surgery, but ingested an oral supplement containing 12.5% carbohydrate, six (400ml) and two (200ml) hours before theprocedure. The handgrip strength was measured in both hands in both groups, at patient's admission (6h before surgery), the immediate pre-operative time (1h before surgery) and 12-18h postoperatively.
Results
: we analyzed 27 patients, 14 in the intervention group and 13 in the control group. There was no mortality. The handgrip strength (mean [standard deviation]) was significantly higher in the intervention group in the three periods studied, in at least one hand: preoperatively in the dominant hand (27.8 [2.6] vs 24.1 [3.7] kg; p=0.04), in the immediate preoperative in both hands, and postoperatively in the non-dominant hand (28.5 [3.0] vs 21.3 [5.9] kg; p=0.01).
Conclusion
: the abbreviation of preoperative fasting to two hours with drink containing carbohydrate improves muscle function in the perioperative period.
Fasting; Carbohydrates; Muscle Strength; Cholecystectomy; Preoperative Care
*, p<0.05 (ANOVA) versus the control group in the same reference hand and the same observation period. Data represent mean and standard error. Pre= Preoperative; IM= immediate preoperative; Post= postoperative period; DH= dominant hand; NDH= non-dominant hand.
