Does Preoperative Intravenous Carbohydrate Improve Post-Operative Well Being in Laparoscopic Surgeries?

introduction All surgical procedures are associated with some amount of stress response by the body. Preoperative oral carbohydrates have been shown to stimulate release of endogenous insulin and reduce insulin resistance. It has been hypothesized that this improvement in perioperative metabolism leads to post-operative wellbeing and better post-operative recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative intravenous carbohydrate loading could improve post-operative wellbeing as compared to overnight fasting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Material and Methods This prospective, interventional, double blinded, randomized controlled trial of a total 100 patients. Patients randomly assigned to intravenous carbohydrate (5 % dextrose 500ml) or placebo (500ml NS) half an hour prior to surgery. Post operative nause and vomiting assessed Results. Comparing the study group and the placebo group, there was no statistical significance in the degree of thirst and hunger in the first 24 hours post operatively as measured by the VAS score (pless than0.05), or vomiting. From 6 to 24 hours post following surgery, the incidence of nausea was less in the carbohydrate group and was statistically significant (p=0.01) Conclusion Preoperative intravenous carbohydrate loading did not improve postoperative wellbeing except for the reduction in postoperative nausea 6-24 hours after surgery.