Preoperative Liquid Carbohydrate Loading in Plastic Surgery Patients During an IV Fluid Shortage: A Matched...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Care
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Hurricane Helene caused significant intravenous (IV) fluid supply chain disruptions.
• Ambulatory surgery centers faced challenges in maintaining adequate fluid supplies.
• The need for fluid conservation without compromising patient safety became critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative liquid carbohydrate loading during IV fluid shortages.
• To assess the impact of liquid carbohydrate protocols on intraoperative IV fluid use.
• To determine if these protocols affect postoperative outcomes and surgical efficiency.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study comparing a liquid carbohydrate protocol group (LPG) with a control group (CG) during a post-hurricane IV fluid shortage.
• The LPG consumed carbohydrate-rich fluids 3 hours preoperatively; the CG followed standard fasting.
• Outcomes measured included IV fluid use, antiemetic use, PACU stay, surgical delays, and protocol adherence.

Main Results:

• Intraoperative IV fluid use was significantly lower in the LPG (1460 mL) compared to the CG (1820 mL).
• No significant differences were observed in antiemetic use or postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery time.
• The LPG exhibited lower protocol adherence (58.6%) and a trend towards more surgical delays compared to the CG.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative liquid carbohydrate intake reduced intraoperative IV fluid requirements.
• The protocol did not enhance postoperative recovery or reduce nausea.
• Lower compliance and increased surgical delays suggest limited feasibility of liquid carbohydrate protocols during resource constraints.