Reduced fasting time improves comfort and satisfaction of elderly patients undergoing anesthesia for hip fracture

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patient's satisfaction is a standard indicator of care quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a preoperative oral ingestion of 200mL of a carbohydrate drink can improve comfort and satisfaction with anesthesia in elderly patients with hip fracture.METHOD: Prospective randomized clinical trial conducted in a Brazilian public hospital, with patients ASA I-III undergoing surgery for hip fracture. The control group (NPO) received nothing by mouth after 9:00p.m. the night before, while patients in the experimental group (CHO) received 200mL of a carbohydrate drink 2-4h before the operation. Patients' characteristics, subjective perceptions, thirst and hunger and satisfaction were determined in four steps. Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher exact test were used for comparison of control and experimental groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in one of the two regimens of preoperative fasting. Fasting time decreased significantly in the study group. Patients drank 200mL 2:59h before surgery and showed no hunger (p<0.00) and thirst on arrival to OR (p<0.00), resulting in increased satisfaction with the perioperative anesthesia care (p<0.00).CONCLUSIONS: The satisfaction questionnaire for surgical patient could become a useful tool in assessing the quality of care. In conclusion, CHO significantly reduces preoperative discomfort and increases satisfaction with anesthesia care.