[Elective surgery and oral carbohydrate loading]

To evaluate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on the course of perioperative period.

We examined 93 patients who underwent elective abdominal and retroperitoneal surgery. In the main group (n=47), carbohydrate drink was prescribed prior to surgery (33.5 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of hydrolyzed protein per 100 ml): 400 ml in the evening before surgery and 200 ml 2 hours before surgery. The control group included 46 patients who followed conventional fasting protocol recommended by the ASA (solid food no later than 6 hours before surgery, intake of clear fluids no later than 2 hours before surgery). Surgical interventions and anesthetic management were similar in both groups.

There were no differences in perioperative glycemia between both groups. The main group was characterized by less intraoperative infusion volume and more stable hemodynamic parameters, the number of patients with organ dysfunction and complications was significantly lower. Postoperative nausea and vomiting and general weakness were less significant in the main group while subjective assessment of patient's satisfaction with postoperative period was higher.

Preoperative carbohydrate loading does not affect perioperative glycemia, reduces intraoperative infusion volume, the number of patients with organ dysfunction and complications, postoperative nausea and vomiting, ensures more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and more comfortable subjective perception of early postoperative period.