Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate on Cirrhotic Patients Under Endoscopic Therapy with Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Preoperative fasting is a major cause of perioperative discomfort in patients. Addressing this problem by preoperative oral carbohydrate (POC) has been recommended as an important element of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, but its effect on cirrhotic patients who tend to show abnormalities in gastric emptying function has not yet been clarified. Our study aims to investigate the influence of POC on gastric empting and preoperative well-being in cirrhotic patients. Methods: A prospective, randomized and controlled study of cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices scheduled for elective endoscopic therapy under intravenous anesthesia was conducted. 180 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: those not supplement with carbohydrate for 8h prior to endoscopic therapy (Control group), those given a carbohydrate beverage 2h (2h group) or 4h (4h group) prior to endoscopy. Gastric emptying was evaluated by gastric sonography score and collecting gastric content aspirated endoscopically before anesthesia. Stresses caused by examination associated fasting were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for six parameters (thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, nausea, vomit and weakness) preoperatively. Hemodynamic changes, peristole and postoperative complications were also recorded. Results: Before anesthesia, gastric sonography score was similar among three groups. In addition, no patient had residual gastric volume more than 1.5ml/kg in control and 4h group, but six patients (11%) reached a residual gastric volume of more than 1.5ml/kg in 2h group. Moreover, compared with control fasting, VAS scores for six parameters (thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue) in 2h group and for three parameters (thirst, hunger and mouth dryness) in 4h group were both significantly lower. Gastric peristaltic score and operation score before operation, postoperative complication, lengths of hospital stay and in-hospital expense were not significantly different among three groups.Conclusions: For the first time, we demonstrate that avoiding preoperative fasting with oral carbohydrates given 4h prior to anesthesia can improve preoperative well-being feelings, without enhancing the risk of aspiration and regurgitation in cirrhotic patients. Our study adds knowledge for preoperative fasting guidelines in anesthesia for cirrhotic patients. Trial registration: This trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov under the number ChiCTR2000032394.