PREOPERATIVE ORAL CARBOHYDRATE LOADING TO ASSESS INTRAOPERATIVE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS, PONV AND INTENSIVE CARE UNIT STAY: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED STUDY

The study investigated the impact of preoperative carbohydrate-

rich beverage intake on intraoperative blood glucose levels, the incidence

and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and the

duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay.

1. Patient Characteristics and Study Design:

• The study included patients scheduled for elective surgery, divided

into two groups:

o Carbohydrate Group (Group A) – received a

carbohydrate-rich beverage 2 hours prior to surgery.

o Control Group (Group B) – received an equivalent volume

of plain water during the same preoperative window.

• Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic and

baseline clinical characteristics.

2. Intraoperative Blood Glucose Levels:

• Group A demonstrated more stable intraoperative blood glucose

levels compared to Group B.

• Group B showed higher variability and instances of intraoperative

hyperglycemia, potentially due to increased insulin resistance

associated with prolonged fasting.

3. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV):

• A lower incidence and reduced severity of PONV were observed in

Group A compared to Group B.

75• Improved gastric emptying and metabolic stability in Group A may

have contributed to better postoperative comfort.

4. ICU Stay Duration:

• Group A experienced a significantly shorter duration of ICU stay

than Group B.

• This outcome may reflect enhanced postoperative recovery

associated with preoperative carbohydrate intake.

5. Complications:

• No major complications were reported in either group.

• Minor complications included:

o Transient hyperglycemia in a few patients in Group B.

o Postoperative nausea in in Group B.

• No cases of aspiration, delayed gastric emptying, or adverse

reactions to carbohydrate loading were observed, indicating a

favourable safety profile.

6. Clinical Implications:

• Preoperative carbohydrate loading appears to be a beneficial, non-

invasive intervention that supports metabolic stability, reduces

PONV, and facilitates earlier ICU discharge.

• The findings support the integration of carbohydrate loading into

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols.