La disminución del tiempo de ayuno mejora el bienestar y la satisfacción con la anestesia en pacientes ancianos con fractura de cadera

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 200 mL 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 received nothing by mouth after 9:00 p.m. the night before, while patients in the experimental group received 200 mL of a carbohydrate drink 2-4 hours 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 < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in one of two regimens of preoperative fasting. Fasting time decreased significantly in the study group. Patients drank 200 mL 2:59 h before surgery and showed no hunger (P < .00) and thirsty on arrival to OR (P < .00), resulting in increased satisfaction with the perioperative anesthesia care (P < .00).

Conclusions

The satisfaction questionnaire for surgical patient could become a useful tool in assessing the quality of care. In conclusion, carbohydrate drink significantly reduces preoperative discomfort and increases satisfaction with anesthesia care.