Early Oral Hydration in Relieving Postoperative Thirst

Effectiveness of Early Oral Hydration in Relieving Postoperative Thirst in Patients Undergoing Urological Endoscopic Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate whether allowing early oral hydration on demand effectively relieves postoperative thirst and enhances patient satisfaction in individuals undergoing urological endoscopic procedures

Postoperative thirst is a frequent but often overlooked discomfort experienced by patients after surgery, particularly following urological endoscopic procedures.Despite the common restriction on carly oral intake due to concerns about nausea and aspiration, delaying hydration prolongs patient suffering and reduces satisfaction during recovery. This study aims to investigate whether allowing carly, on-demand oral hydration in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) can effectively relieve postoperative thirst without increasing adverse effects, thereby potentially improving patient comfort and outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female patients aged 18-65 years.
2. Scheduled for elective urological endoscopic procedures under general anesthesia.
3. Day-care endoscopic procedures.
4. ASA classification I-III.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known gastrointestinal disorders contraindicating early oral hydration (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, esophagitis, or prior gastrointestinal surgery).
2. Inability to express thirst or communicate (e.g., language barrier, altered consciousness).
3. Requirement for nasogastric suction.
4. History of facial, oropharyngeal, or laryngeal surgery.
5. Swallowing dysfunction or delayed gastric emptying (e.g., gastroparesis).
6. Incomplete reversal of muscle relaxant at PACU admission (no adequate spontaneous breathing or protective airway reflexes).