The Effect of Low-Volume Oral Carbohydrate Loading on Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting, and Functional Recovery in Patients Undergoing Metabolic Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of preoperative administration of 200 mL of a 12.5% sucrose solution on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and functional recovery in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS).Methods: Single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 105 patients undergoing elective MBS (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-IV). Participants were allocated by block randomization to an intervention or control group. The intervention group received 200 mL of a 12.5% sucrose solution 2 h before surgery, whereas the control group followed standard fasting. Participant and investigator blinding was not feasible; however, follow-up nurses and the statistician were blinded. PONV was assessed at 24 h using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, and functional recovery at discharge and postoperative day 30 using the Postoperative Recovery Index (PoRI).Results: No significant between-group differences were observed in PONV at 24 h or total PoRI scores. However, the intervention group showed significantly better physical activity and general symptoms subscale scores on postoperative day 30. No intervention-related adverse events occurred.Conclusion: Low-volume sucrose-based carbohydrate loading appeared safe and improved physical activity and general symptoms during recovery after MBS. Although the lack of a placebo or equal-volume clear-fluid control warrants cautious interpretation, this simple nurse-led intervention may represent a feasible Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-aligned strategy to enhance postoperative recovery.