Background: Cardiac surgery is a stress that causes insulin resistance leading to increased insulin requirements. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether preoperative oral intake of carbohydrate rich drinks could improve outcomes and reduce stress response post valve replacement cardiac surgeries.
Methods: Our prospective study included 20 ASA 1-3 patients undergoing valve replacement cardiac surgeries.10 patients were fasted after midnight while the other 10 patients received 600 ml of carbohydrate bevering in the evening before the procedure and 150 ml of the drink 2 hours before operation. The following was monitored in all patients: hemodynamics after induction of anesthesia till 24 hours postoperative, insulin resistance (exogenous insulin requirement to keep blood sugar below or equal to 10 mmol/l was used as marker), postoperative discomfort using visual analogue scales, and length of ICU stay.
Results: Preoperative intake of carbohydrate rich drinks significantly reduced the length of ICU stay (p=0.019) due to reduced postoperative inotropic support requirements and time of mechanical ventilation. Significant reduction in postoperative discomfort and reduced stress response .No significant difference in postoperative level of insulin sensitivity between the two groups.
Conclusion: Our study showed that although preoperative carbohydrate intake does not reduce insulin resistance postoperatively, it significantly improved other aspects of clinical outcome, in terms of reduced ICU stay, reduced postoperative stress and patient discomfort.