ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In surgical procedures under general anesthesia, 6 to 8 hours of a nulla per os (NPO; nothing by mouth) has been regarded as essential for prevention of respiratory complication such as aspiration. However, recent studies have reported that oral intake of water and other clear fluids up to 2 hours before induction of anesthesia does not increase respiratory problems. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of a newly developed carbohydrate-rich solution in elective hernia repair surgery patients. METHODS: A group of 30 adult patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia were enrolled. The enrolled study group of patients was permitted to drink a carbohydrate-rich solution until two hours before the operation without volume limitation. Respiratory complication was investigated in the patients using the carbohydrate-rich solution until two hours before induction of general anesthesia. The feelings of thirst, hunger sense were measured pre- and post-operatively. In addition, hoarseness of voice, nausea and vomiting were investigated post-operatively. Satisfaction regarding the short time of fasting was measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for measurement of these six variables. RESULTS: No patients showed serious respiratory complication such as dyspnea, desaturation. Eight of 30 study group patients complained of mild hoarseness. Most symptoms of hoarseness were mild, with VAS score less than 3 out of 10. Two patients complained 5 out of 10. Six patients felt nausea and 1 patient had vomiting. Pre/post-operative hunger sense and thirst feeling were 1.63/1.60 and 1.90/5.76, respectively. The satisfaction score was 3.00 out of 4. CONCLUSION: Allowing the administration of an oral carbohydrate-rich solution in elective surgery patients requiring general anesthesia is safe without serious respiratory complications and effective in providing satisfaction.