Carbohydrate loading before colorectal surgery doesn't significantly impact blood sugar control
Canada: A recent study in the International Journal of Colorectal Disease did not show any significant impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading on postoperative blood sugar control in colorectal surgery patients.
The study, however, showed that preoperative carbohydrate was associated with a faster return of bowel function and a shorter length of stay. It merits consideration for incorporation within a colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols.
Preoperative carbohydrate loading minimizes protein losses, modifies insulin resistance, improves postoperative muscle function, and improves patient comfort and well-being. It has been introduced as a critical aspect of many enhanced recovery after-surgery protocols. No studies have evaluated the current evidence for preoperative carbohydrate loading in colorectal surgery.
To fill the knowledge gap, Justin Lu from Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis to study the impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading on colorectal surgery. They searched the online databases until May 2021 and included RCTs (randomized controlled trials) comparing patients who underwent colorectal surgery with and without preoperative carbohydrate loading. Changes in blood glucose and insulin levels (primary outcomes) were noted.
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