A randomised controlled study of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading versus fasting in patients undergoing colorectal surgery

The Effect of Reducing the Fasting Time on Postoperative Pain in Orthopaedic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Patients undergoing orthopedics surgery experience the most severe postoperative pain. The fasting time is a factor that affects this complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fasting time reduction by using oral carbohydrate on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in orthopedic patients.

Materials and Methods

This randomized control trial was conducted between November 2017 and December 2018. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned into the intervention (which consumed 200 mL of the 12.50% carbohydrate, 2 h before the surgery) and the control group (which was fasted from midnight). Postoperative pain was measured by visual analog scale; the amount of the consumed analgesics was also recorded. The data were analyzed by using Chi-square and t-test.

Results

The mean (SD) of the pain scores in the control group immediately and 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after consciousness were 7.19 (2.64), 6.69 (2.17), 6.31 (2.05), 6.16 (2.08), 6.06 (2.24), and 5.38 (1.86), respectively. These scores for the intervention group were 7.44 (1.48), 6.31 (1.25), 5.72 (1.17), 5.59 (1.43), 5.25 (1.13), and 4.97 (1.57). The mean of the pain scores between two groups was not different (p > 0.05). The amount of the consumed morphine (t ₆₁= -2.10, p = 0.039), pethidine (t ₆₂= -2.25, p = 0.028), and diclofenac (t ₆₂= -2.51, p = 0.015) were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The pain intensity in the patients with shortened fasting time was lower, but it was not statistically significant. Moreover, reducing fasting time by using carbohydrate significantly reduced the use of analgesics.

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration combined with postoperative early oral intake in elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy with acute-phase inflammation and subjective symptom burden: A prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has received increasing attention. Preoperative oral carbohydrate and postoperative early oral feeding (POC-PEOF) as the basic nutrition administration in the ERAS program suffers from low adherence. The role and benefits of administering POC-PEOF in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. Therefore, the randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of POC-PEOF in elderly patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy with inflammation and patient self-reported symptom burden compared with the corresponding outcomes of traditional fasting protocols.

METHODS

Elderly patients with HCC (n = 126) were randomly assigned to two groups using the sealed envelope technique. Sixty-three patients were included in the intervention (POC-PEOF) group and received POC-PEOF administration, whereas the 63 patients in the control (FAST) group underwent conventional fasting. Acute-phase inflammation markers, patient self-reported symptom burdens, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The average age was 69.60 ± 5.00 years in the POC-PEOF group and 70.44 ± 6.15 years in the FAST group. Compared to prolonged fasting, POC-PEOF achieved significant positive results, including lower overall levels of inflammatory response mediators (CRP, IL-6) on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 3, and POD 5 (P < 0.05), lower patient self-reported symptom burdens of thirst, hunger, anxiety and nausea (P < 0.05), faster gastrointestinal function return with shortened times to first flatus and first defecation (48.31 ± 13.24 h vs. 96.26 ± 23.12 h and 72.87 ± 21.12 h vs. 144.34 ± 23.31 h, and P = 0.034 and P = 0.013, respectively). Furthermore, the average postoperative hospitalization duration in the POC-PEOF group was shorter than that in the FAST group (6.93 ± 0.98 d vs. 8.12 ± 1.15 d, P = 0.042). There was no significant difference of total complications between the groups (25.39 % vs 36.51 %, RR 0.696, 95 % CI 0.408-0.187, P = 0.177).

CONCLUSION

POC-PEOF helps lessen acute-phase inflammation and relieves the subjective symptom burden, which can ensure better positive postoperative outcomes in elderly HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy.

[Perioperative Medicine in Visceral Surgery in the Elderly Patient from an Anaesthesiological Perspective]

Demographic change is leading to an increasing number of old patients both in our society and in hospitals. With increasing age, not only the number of pre-existing conditions increases, but also the postoperative complication rate and mortality. Ultimately, however, it is not age that is decisive, but the condition of the patient and his or her capacity to face the physical and mental challenges of a surgical procedure. Frail patients are particularly at risk of complications, and an essential strategy - known as prehabilitation - is to put them in a better state pre-operatively through physical and mental training, as well as nutritional counselling. Delirium is one of the most frequent postoperative complications. Measures such as refraining from premedication with benzodiazepines, measuring the depth of anaesthesia, refraining from long-acting opioids, performing fast-track surgery, and providing glasses/hearing aids quickly postoperatively can reduce the risk of delirium. Close interdisciplinary consultation between surgeons, anaesthetists, geriatricians and physiotherapists is essential to coordinate the perioperative procedure and reduce the perioperative risk for elderly patients.

ANALGESIC EFFECT OF TRAMADOL IS NOT ALTERED BY POSTOPERATIVE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION AFTER MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Tramadol is a commonly used analgesic in intensive care units (ICUs) for acute postoperative pain. Conversion of tramadol into active metabolites may be impaired in inflammatory states. Catechol-O-methyltransferase may influence pain. The aim of the study was to examine differences in the analgesic effect of tramadol between ICU patients with and without signs of systemic inflammation. Forty-three patients were admitted to ICU after a major abdominal surgery. The patients received a dose of 100 mg of tramadol intravenously every 6 hours during the first 24 hours after surgical procedure. Pain scores were measured by the Numeric Rating Scale before and 30 minutes after tramadol administration in awake patients. Systemic inflammation was considered when at least two of the following postoperative parameters were present in the first 24 hours of ICU admission: fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, pCO₂ <4.3 kPa, white blood cells >12000/mm³ or <4000/mm³, or preoperative value of C-reactive protein (CRP) >50 mg/L or/and procalcitonin (PCT) >0.5 mg/L. Catechol-O-methyltransferase was analyzed postoperatively. Fifteen (34.8%) patients met the criteria for systemic inflammation. Tramadol was proven to be an effective analgesic for the treatment of postoperative pain regardless of the presence of systemic inflammation (p<0.05). Lower perception of pain before tramadol application was observed in patients with systemic inflammation, but the difference was not significant. A negative correlation was observed between the preoperative values of CRP and PCT and the analgesic effect of tramadol assessed at the second measurement point (r=-0.358, p=0.03, and r=-0.364, p=0.02, respectively). Catechol-O-methyltransferase variants were not in correlation with pain and opioid consumption. Based on our findings, tramadol is effective in lowering pain scores after major abdominal surgery irrespective of the presence of systemic inflammation.

Preoperative carbohydrate loading and intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy for elderly patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

The effect of a combination of a goal-directed fluid protocol and preoperative carbohydrate loading on postoperative complications in elderly patients still remains unknown. Therefore, we designed this trial to evaluate the relative impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading and intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy versus conventional fluid therapy (CFT) on clinical outcomes in elderly patients following gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial with 120 patients over 65years undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were randomized into a CFT group (n=60) with traditional methods of fasting and water-deprivation, and a GDFT group (n=60) with carbohydrate (200ml) loading 2h before surgery. The CFT group underwent routine monitoring during surgery, however, the GDFT group was conducted by a Vigileo/FloTrac monitor with cardiac index (CI), stroke volume variation (SVV), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). For all patients, demographic data, intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were recorded.

Results

Patients in the GDFT group received significantly less crystalloids fluid (1111442.9ml vs 1411412.6ml; p<0.001) and produced significantly less urine output (200ml [150300] vs 400ml [290500]; p<0.001) as compared to the CFT group. Moreover, GDFT was associated with a shorter average time to first flatus (5614.1h vs 6422.3h; p=0.002) and oral intake (7216.9h vs 8526.8h; p=0.011), as well as a reduction in the rate of postoperative complications (15 (25.0%) vs 29 (48.3%) patients; p=0.013). However, postoperative hospitalization or hospitalization expenses were similar between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Focused on elderly patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery, we found perioperative fluid optimisation may be associated with improvement of bowel function and a lower incidence of postoperative complications.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800018227. Registered 6 September 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01377-8.

Guide to Enhanced Recovery for Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery: ERAS for Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery with or Without HIPEC

ERAS protocols may reduce length of stay and return to full functional recovery after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Prehabilitation programs and post-operative goal directed pathways, along with other essential components of ERAS are discussed with supporting evidence.

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate on postoperative discomfort in patients undergoing elective surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Fasting is a standard preoperative procedure performed to prevent vomiting and pulmonary aspiration during anaesthesia and surgery. However, fasting can cause postoperative physical and psychological discomfort. Intake of oral carbohydrate (CHO) may mimic the intake of food, which prevents postoperative discomfort. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect and safety of preoperative oral CHO in adult surgical patients.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched for in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate a pooled effect size by using random-effects models. The satisfaction outcomes were mouth dryness, hunger, thirst, pain severity, duration of hospitalization, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The safety outcomes were the incidence of aspiration and infection.

RESULTS

In total, 57 RCTs involving 5606 patients were included. The outcomes of mouth dryness, thirst, hunger, and pain were assessed by a 10-point visual analogue scale (0 = best, 10 = worst). The severity of mouth dryness (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -1.26, 95% CI: -2.36 to -0.15), thirst (WMD: -1.36, 95% CI: -2.05 to -0.67), hunger (WMD: -1.66, 95% CI: -2.53 to -0.80), pain (WMD: -0.68, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.35), duration of hospitalization (WMD: -0.39 day, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.12), and HOMA-IR (WMD: -1.80, 95% CI: -2.84 to -0.76) were significantly lower in the CHO group than in the control group. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting did not differ between the CHO and control groups. No aspiration was recorded in any of the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CHO can alleviate patient's discomfort without safety concerns. Surgeons and anaesthesiologists should strongly promote preoperative CHO as a strategy to enhance recovery after surgery protocols.

The Effect of Preoperative Nutrition on Postoperative CRP and Albumin Levels in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery: A Surgical Nursing Perspective

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels in patients laparoscopic surgery.

DESIGN

This is an experimental study with intervention and control groups.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included (intervention, n = 33; control, n = 33). The patients in the intervention group were given 400 mL of oral liquid carbohydrate 2 hours before surgery. Blood samples were collected from the two groups with serum CRP and albumin levels measured 2 hours before surgery and 24 hours postoperatively.

FINDINGS

CRP levels in the intervention group 2 hours before surgery and 24 hours postoperatively were higher than the control group (P = .028; P = .014, respectively). CRP levels of the patients in the intervention group 24 hours postoperatively (26.98 ± 18.60 mg/L) were higher than the preoperative level (9.37 ± 15.68 mg/L) (P < .001). The CRP level of the patients in the control group 24 hours postoperatively (16.24 ± 16.01 mg/L) was higher than the preoperative level (3.11 ± 3.12 mg/L) (P < .001). There was no difference between the serum albumin levels of the patients in the intervention and control groups measured 24 hours postoperatively (P = .103).

CONCLUSIONS

We determined that 400 mL oral liquid carbohydrate given preoperatively had no anabolic effect on serum CRP and albumin levels.

Preoperative Evaluation for Thoracic Surgery

Preoperative evaluation before thoracic surgery aims to separate those patients who will tolerate surgery and those who are not surgical candidates. Predicted postoperative pulmonary function testing helps make this distinction. The preoperative period represents a time for patient engagement and physical optimization to improve postoperative outcomes.

Preoperative carbohydrates: what is new?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to give an overview of recently published articles covering preoperative carbohydrate loading in surgical patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, 26 publications addressing the effect of carbohydrate load were retrieved through a systematic search. Seventeen were randomized clinical trials, three prospective observational studies and six retrospective series with case-control comparison. Most of the studies were underpowered, addressed surrogate endpoints, and variability among dose and timing of carbohydrate (CHO) treatment was high. The most recent literature endorses preoperative carbohydrate loading up to 2 h before operations as a safe treatment. The new evidence confirm that this strategy is effective in reducing perioperative insulin resistance and the proportion of hyperglycemia episodes, and improving patient well-being and comfort but without affecting surgery-related morbidity.

SUMMARY

Further properly designed randomized clinical trials, addressing more clinically relevant endpoints such as length of hospitalization and morbidity rate, are warrant.