title: A randomized trial of preoperative oral carbohydrates in abdominal surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Carbohydrate-rich liquid drinks (CRLDs) have been recommended to attenuate insulin resistance by shortening the preoperative fasting interval. The aim of our study the effect of preoperative oral administration of CRLDs on the well-being and clinical status of patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, double blind, prospective study of patients undergoing open colorectal operations (CR) and open cholecyctectomy (CH) was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups: study, placebo, and control. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for seven parameters (thirst, hunger, anxiety, mouth dryness, nausea, weakness and sleep quality) were recorded and compared for two different time periods (up to 24 h postoperatively and from 36 to 48 h postoperatively). The Simplified Acute Physiology Score changes (SAPS)-II between the three groups were also studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 142 patients American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) I or II enrolled in the study (CR = 71 and CH = 71). There were no significant differences in postoperative SAPS-II scores or lengths of hospital stay (LOS) between the groups. However, in CR patients, the degree of thirst was partially improved by drinking CRLDs (P = 0.027). In CH patients, on the other hand, feelings of thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, nausea and weakness showed significant improvement (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral administration of carbohydrate-rich liquid drinks (CRLDs) improves the well-being in patients undergoing CH, but the effect is less evident in patients undergoing CR. No significant improvements were seen in clinical status or in length of hospital stay in either group.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ANZCTR.org.au: ACTRN12614000995673 (registered on 16/09/2014).
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Rr. Hyzri Talla, hy 7/8, Bregu i Diellit, Zona e Lindjes, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Fatos
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sada
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Avdyl
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krasniqi
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Astrit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamza
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Rr. Hyzri Talla, hy 7/8, Bregu i Diellit, Zona e Lindjes, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Agreta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gecaj-Gashi
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Besnik
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bicaj
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Floren
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kavaja
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D001628:Beverages; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function
chemical_list: D002241:Carbohydrates
keywords: Carbohydrates; Fasting; Postoperative period; Preoperative use of carbohydrates; Thirst