Optimizing Postoperative Clinical Outcomes in Spinal Surgery Through Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Loading: A Case-control Study

Abstract

Purpose: Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading is a component of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on postoperative clinical outcomes in spinal surgery patients. Design: This is a prospective case-control study. Methods: This study was conducted with patients who underwent spinal surgery from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 in a neurosurgery clinic of an education and research hospital. The intervention group (n = 46) ingested 800 mL oral carbohydrate drinks at least 8 hours before surgery. The postoperative clinical outcomes were nausea, vomiting, antiemetic and analgesic drug medication, inflammation, and bleeding. The first flatus and defecation time, oral intake time, mobilization time, and length of stay in hospital were assessed postoperatively. Adverse events were monitored up to 24 hours postoperatively. The control group (n = 46) underwent routine fasting protocols. Findings: Lower rates of vomiting and bleeding during and after surgery and earlier defecation time and first mobilization time were determined in the intervention group, and the difference compared with the control group was statistically significant. Conclusions: Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading is a nonpharmacological intervention that has a positive effect on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients who underwent spinal surgery and should be included in the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol. (c) 2024 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.