Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate and Postoperative Recovery in Diabetic Patients

Impact of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate on Recovery in Diabetic Patients After Gastrointestinal Surgery: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

For non-diabetic patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, preoperative oral carbohydrate improves postoperative recovery. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the impact of preoperative oral carbohydrate (outfast®) on the recovery in diabetic patients after gastrointestinal surgery.

Studies show that avoiding long-time fasting by oral carbohydrates 2 hours before surgery attenuates discomfort and anxiety; it also reduces stress, insulin resistance and catabolism in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, resulting in earlier recovery of gastrointestinal function and short length of hospital stay after surgery. However, for diabetic patients scheduled to undergo gastrointestinal surgery, the risks and benefits of preopertive oral carbohydrate remain unclear. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the impact of preoperative oral carbohydrate (outfast®) on the recovery in diabetic patients after gastrointestinal surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age of 18 years and beyond;
2. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before surgery;
3. Scheduled to undergo elective gastrointestinal surgery with anticipated duration of 2 hours or more;
4. Provide signed writen informed consents.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Refuse to participate in the study;
2. Diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia, gastric esophageal reflux disease or pregnancy;
3. Previous history of total or partial gastrectomy;
4. Preoperative New York Heart Assocition (NYHA) class IV, renal failure (requirement of renal replacement therapy), severe hepatic disease (Child-Pugh class C), or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class IV or higher;
5. Preoperative pyloric and/or intestinal obstruction;
6. Combined surgery on other intra-abdominal organs or other parts of the body.