Carbohydrate-rich beverages

The preoperative administration of carbohydrate-rich beverages has been shown to

reduce all the following EXCEPT which one?

a) Risk of significant aspiration

b) Postoperative nausea and vomiting

c) Insulin resistance

d) Length of hospital stay

e) Anxiety

Answer: a

Explanation

Following questioning of old received wisdom that all patients should be kept nil by

mouth for six hours for solids and four hours for clear fluids pre-operatively, a number

of research projects have examined the impact of allowing the consumption of

carbohydrate-rich (CHO) beverages two to three hours before induction. Postoperative

nausea and vomiting (PONV), insulin resistance, thirst and anxiety have

all been shown to be improved byCHO drinks. In a small randomised controlled study

by Noblett et al. (2006), a significant decrease in hospital stay was demonstrated.

No study has yet proven an increased aspiration risk.

Reference

Noblett SE, Watson DS, Huong H, et al. Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading in

colorectal surgery: a randomised controlled trial. Colorectal Dis 2006; 8(7): 563–9.