BACKGROUND: Earlier reports have shown that performing operations in fed, opposed to overnight-fasted patients, has several benefits. Preoperative patients receiving carbohydrates were found to be less hungry and less anxious than those receiving placebo or those fasting overnight. Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on the day of operation may diminish the organic response to trauma. AIM: To investigate the effects of preoperative carbohydrate-rich drinks regarding gastrointestinal symptoms after cholecystectomy. METHODS: Randomized prospective trial. A total of 54 female patients (average age = 42[19-69] years-old) scheduled for elective cholecystectomy were randomized to receive either a beverage containing 12.5% carbohydrate, 6 (400 mL) and 2 hours (200 mL) before surgery (group carbohydrate n=28) or fasting for 6-8 hours (control group n=26). Parameters investigated included the occurrence of vomit, nausea, abdominal distention, passage of flatus and feces, and the length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: Abdominal distension (42.3 vs 17.8%; P = 0,04), episodes of vomiting (53.8% vs 21.4%; P = 0,01), the presence of two or more associated gastrointestinal symptoms (73.1% vs 39.3%; P = 0,01), and the length of postoperative hospital stay (2 [1-3] vs 1 [1-3] days; P = 0,04) was significantly smaller in the carbohydrate control group. CONCLUSION: Preoperative oral carbohydrate administration reduces both postoperative gastrointestinal discomfort and postoperative hospital stay after cholecystectomy.
Fasting; Preoperative care; Carbohydrate; Postoperative complications
