A Comparative Study of Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading Dose and Fasting on Postoperative Recovery Time in Elective Abdominal Surgery Patients

Title: A Comparative Study of Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading Dose and Fasting on Postoperative Recovery Time in Elective Abdominal Surgery Patients

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effect of preoperative carbohydrate loading versus standard overnight fasting on postoperative recovery time in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. A total of 144 admitted patients will be randomly assigned to either receive a preoperative carbohydrate drink or follow routine fasting protocols. The primary objective is to evaluate differences in postoperative recovery time between the two groups. Secondary outcomes include length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and patient comfort. The findings of this study may help optimize preoperative fasting guidelines and improve patient recovery outcomes.

Preoperative fasting has traditionally been practiced to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia; however, prolonged fasting may lead to increased insulin resistance, patient discomfort, and delayed postoperative recovery. Recent evidence suggests that preoperative carbohydrate loading may improve metabolic response and enhance recovery after surgery.

This single-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted on 144 patients admitted for elective abdominal surgery. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention group will receive a standardized preoperative carbohydrate drink within a defined time before surgery, while the control group will follow conventional fasting guidelines.

The primary outcome of the study is postoperative recovery time, assessed using clinically relevant recovery parameters. Secondary outcomes include length of hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications, and patient-reported comfort measures.

Data will be collected prospectively during hospital stay and analyzed to determine whether preoperative carbohydrate loading provides significant benefits over standard fasting protocols. The results of this study may contribute to improving perioperative care practices and updating fasting guidelines in surgical patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Patients aged 20-60

  • ASA I-II classification.
  • Elective open or laparoscopic abdominal surgeries.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Diabetes mellitus or impaired fasting glucose.

  • Emergency surgeries.
  • Patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction.
  • Patients on corticosteroids or insulin-sensitizing agents.
  • Pregnant patients.