Preoperative maltodextrin solution intake improves patient comfort in gynecological laparoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Prolonged fasting before surgery, traditionally used to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration, often leads to significant patient discomfort, including hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Preoperative carbohydrate loading, particularly with maltodextrin, has emerged as a strategy to enhance patient comfort and recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maltodextrin intake 2 hours before surgery on perioperative discomfort in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic procedures. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from April 2024 to September 2024 at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Seventy patients scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to either the carbohydrates group (maltodextrin solution intake) or the control group (traditional fasting). The intervention group consumed 300 mL of a 15% maltodextrin solution 2 hours before surgery, while the control group adhered to standard fasting protocols. Hunger, thirst, and fatigue were assessed using visual analog scales before anesthesia and 2 hours post-surgery. The maltodextrin group reported significantly lower levels of hunger (3.5 ± 0.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.4, P = .03), thirst (1.7 ± 1.3 vs 3.1 ± 1.8, P < .05), and fatigue (2.1 ± 0.9 vs 3.9 ± 1.5, P < .05) before anesthesia compared to the fasting group. These differences persisted 2 hours after surgery, with the maltodextrin group continuing to exhibit lower discomfort levels (P < .05). Preoperative maltodextrin intake significantly reduces perioperative hunger, thirst, and fatigue in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.