Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate on Cirrhotic Patients under Endoscopic Therapy with Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sep 20, 2021BioMed research international

Effects of Taking Sugar by Mouth Before Anesthesia on Cirrhosis Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Treatment

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Abstract

Among 180 cirrhotic patients, 11% experienced residual gastric volume greater than 1.5 ml/kg when carbohydrates were given 2 hours before endoscopy.

  • Preoperative oral carbohydrates may reduce feelings of thirst, hunger, and mouth dryness in cirrhotic patients.
  • No significant differences were observed in preoperative gastric function scores, postoperative complications, or hospital stay across the groups.
  • Gastric emptying, measured via ultrasonography, showed no significant differences among the three groups before anesthesia.
  • The study suggests that administering carbohydrates 4 hours before anesthesia could minimize preoperative discomfort without increasing the risk of aspiration.

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Key numbers

6 of 54 patients
Residual Gastric Volume >1.5 ml/kg
Patients in the 2-hour group had a higher incidence of residual volume.
1.83
Thirst Score
Mean score for thirst in the 2-hour group.
2.94
Hunger Score
Mean score for hunger in the 2-hour group.

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What this is

  • This trial investigates the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrates (POC) on cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic therapy with anesthesia.
  • It compares outcomes in patients receiving carbohydrates 2 hours or 4 hours before the procedure to a control group with fasting.
  • The study focuses on gastric emptying, patient well-being, and safety regarding regurgitation risks.

Essence

  • POC administered 4 hours before anesthesia improves well-being in cirrhotic patients without increasing regurgitation risk. The 2-hour group showed higher residual gastric volumes, indicating potential safety concerns.

Key takeaways

  • POC 4 hours before anesthesia significantly lowers scores for thirst, hunger, and mouth dryness compared to fasting, enhancing patient comfort.
  • In the 2-hour group, 11% had residual gastric volume >1.5 ml/kg, suggesting a higher risk of aspiration compared to the control and 4-hour groups.
  • No significant differences were found in postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or hospitalization expenses across the three groups.

Caveats

  • The long-term effects of preoperative carbohydrate intake in cirrhotic patients remain unclear, necessitating further research.
  • The study's exclusion rates were notable, indicating that larger sample sizes may be needed for future trials.

Definitions

  • Visual Analog Scale (VAS): A measurement tool used to assess subjective feelings of discomfort on a scale from 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (worst discomfort).

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