Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Research Articles

Prospective study of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in children undergoing reconstructive operations

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a set of peri-operative strategies to increase speed of recovery. ERAS is well established in adults but has not been well studied in children. The purpose of the current study was to establish the safety and efficacy of an ERAS protocol in pediatric urology patients undergoing reconstructive operations. It was hypothesized that ERAS would reduce length of stay and decrease complications when compared with historical controls. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained to prospectively enroll patients aged <18 years if they had undergone urologic reconstruction that included a bowel anastomosis. ERAS included: no bowel preparation, administration of pre-operative oral carbohydrate liquid, avoidance of opioids, regional anesthesia, laparoscopy when feasible, no postoperative nasogastric tube, early feeding, and early removal of intravenous fluids (IVF). Recent (2009-2014) historical controls were propensity matched in a 2:1 ratio on age, sex, ventriculoperitoneal shunt status and whether the patient was undergoing bladder augmentation. Outcomes were protocol adherence, length of stay (LOS), emergency department (ED) visits, re-admission within 30 days, re-operations and adverse events occurring within 90 days of surgery. A total of 26 historical and 13 ERAS patients were included. Median ages were 10.4 (IQR 8.0-12.4) and 9.9 years (IQR 9.1-11), respectively (P=0.94) (see Summary Table). There were no significant between-group differences in prior abdominal surgery (38% vs 62%), rate of augmentation (88% vs 92%) or primary diagnosis of spina bifida (both 62%). ERAS significantly improved use of pre-operative liquid load (P<0.001), avoidance of opioids (P=0.046), early discontinuation of IVF (P<0.001), and early feeding (P<0.001). Protocol adherence improved from 8/16 (IQR 4-9) historically to 12/16 (IQR 11-12) after implementation of ERAS. LOS decreased from 8 days to 5.7 days (P=0.520). Complications of any grade per patient decreased from 2.1 to 1.3 (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.97). There were fewer complications per patient across all grades with ERAS. No differences were seen in emergency department (ED) visits, re-admissions and re-operations. Implementation improved consistency of care delivered. Tenets of ERAS that appeared to drive improvements included maintenance of euvolemia through avoidance of excess fluids, multimodal analgesia, and early feeding. ERAS decreased length of stay and 90-day complications after pediatric reconstructive surgery without increased re-admissions, re-operations or ED visits. A multicenter study will be required to confirm the potential benefits of adopting ERAS.

Randomized Study Comparing Pre-Operative Glycemic Profile in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Administered Oral Carbohydrate Solution Preoperatively versus Those Kept Fasting

Objectives: Hypoglycemia is a recognized danger in pediatric patients. Extended period of preoperative fasting in this subset of patients is not well tolerated with metabolic derangements. The oral carbohydrate loading preoperatively can ameliorate many adverse effects. The aim of this study was to compare the glycemic profile in pediatric cardiac surgical patients kept fasting preoperatively with those fed oral clear solutions of carbohydrate half hour prior to induction of anaesthesia. Also we tried to establish a correlation with other factors contributing to preoperative hypoglycemia. Methodology: We planned a randomized controlled study. Group A included patients who were kept fasting according to the ASA guidelines preoperatively and Group B included patients who received 2 ml per kg of body weight of 10% Dextrose water as oral feeds half hour before the expected time of start of anaesthesia. Results: The mean (SD) preoperative BG concentrations were higher in group B (102.5 ±16.97) as compared to group A (64.08 ± 25.37) (p value -0.86 and -0.67) (pvalue Conclusion: Preoperative oral carbohydrate preloading can develop as the easiest and cheapest path to better perioperative blood glucose concentration management in congenital cardiac disease children.

Evaluation of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration on insulin resistance in off-pump coronary artery bypass patients

In fasting cardiac surgery patients, preoperative carbohydrate (CHO) drink intake attenuated insulin resistance and improved cardiac metabolism, although its beneficial effects were not evident after cardiac surgery possibly due to cardiopulmonary bypass-related extreme systemic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate whether preoperative CHO intake affected insulin resistance and free-fatty acid (FFA) concentrations in off-pump coronary revascularisation. A randomised controlled trial. Primary care in a university hospital in Korea from January 2015 to July 2016. Sixty patients who underwent elective multi-vessel off-pump coronary revascularisation were randomised into two groups. Three patients were excluded from analysis and 57 patients completed study. The CHO group received oral CHO (400 ml) the prior evening and 2 to 3 h before surgery, and the control group was fasted from food and water according to standard protocol. Insulin resistance was assessed twice, after anaesthetic induction and after surgery via short insulin tolerance test. FFA, C-reactive protein and creatine kinase-myocardial band concentrations were determined serially for 48 h after surgery. Insulin sensitivity was greater (P = 0.002) and plasma FFA concentrations were lower (P = 0.001) after anaesthetic induction in the CHO group compared with the Control group, although there were no intergroup differences after surgery. The postoperative peak creatine kinase-myocardial band concentration was significantly lower in the CHO group compared with the Control group [8.8 (5.4 to 18.2) vs. 6.4 (3.5 to 9.7) ng ml, P = 0.031]. A preoperative CHO supplement significantly reduced insulin resistance and FFA concentrations compared with fasting at the beginning of the surgery, but these benefits were lost after off-pump coronary revascularisation. Despite their transient nature, these beneficial effects resulted in less myocardial injury, mandating further studies focused on the impact of preoperative CHO on myocardial ischaemia and cardiac function after coronary revascularisation. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT 02330263.

The Effect of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate on Breastfeeding After Cesarean Section: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTDelay in the initiation of breastfeeding is one of the problems of cesarean section. Its causes are insulin resistance, pain, anxiety, stress, thirst, hunger, and so on. Preoperative oral carbohydrate (OCH) reduces postoperative insulin resistance and improves postoperative recovery. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on breastfeeding after cesarean section. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 91 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section were randomly assigned to preoperative OCH (Nutricia Preop; n = 45) or control group (water flavored with lemon; n = 46). The patients ingested 800 ml + 400 ml of liquid before the surgery. The time to first breastfeeding after surgery (min), the duration of breastfeeding (min), and breastfeeding frequency were measured using a questionnaire for up to 36 h after the surgery. Time to first breastfeeding after surgery was significantly shorter in the OCH group than in the control group (27.47 ± 11.51 vs. 51.96 ± 20.20 min, p< .001). The mean frequency of breastfeeding (6.14 ± 0.55 vs. 4.82 ± 0.46, p < .001) was significantly higher and the mean duration of breastfeeding (116.48 ± 19.68 vs. 82.13 ± 12.40 min, p < .001) was significantly longer in the OCH group compared with the control group in the first 36 h after the surgery. Preoperative oral carbohydrate improves breastfeeding after surgery (time to first breastfeeding, breastfeeding frequency, and breastfeeding duration). Further clinical trials and precise measurement tools are needed to assess breastfeeding to confirm these effects. The study was registered at http://www.IRCT.ir (IRCT2016072629082N1).

PP44 - Does preoperative oral carbohydrate intake improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts?

PP44 - Does preoperative oral carbohydrate intake improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts?

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate therapy on perioperative glucose metabolism during oral- maxillofacial surgery: randomised clinical trial.

Preoperative oral carbohydrate therapy has been suggested to attenuate postoperative insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a carbohydrate-rich beverage given preoperatively on intraoperative glucose metabolism. This study was a randomised, open-label, placebo-controlled trial. Patients undergoing oral-maxillofacial surgery were divided into two groups. In the glucose group, patients took glucose (50 g/278 mL, p.o.) 2 h before anaesthesia induction after overnight fasting; control-group patients took mineral water. Primary outcome was blood concentrations of ketone bodies (KBs); secondary outcomes were blood concentrations of free fatty acids, insulin and glucose. Concentrations were measured 2 h before anaesthesia (T0), induction of anaesthesia (T1), and 1 h (T2), 3 h (T3), and 5h after anaesthesia start (T4). In the control group (n=11), KBs increased continuously from anaesthesia induction. In the glucose group (n=12), KBs were maintained at low concentrations for 3h after beverage consumption but increased remarkably at T3. At T1 and T2, concentrations of KBs in the glucose group were significantly lower than those in the control group (T1, p=0.010; T2, p=0.028). In the glucose group, glucose concentrations decreased significantly at T2 temporarily, but in the control group, glucose concentrations were stable during this study (T2, p<0.001: glucose vs control). Preoperative intake of glucose (50 g, p.o.) can alleviate ketogenesis for 3 h after consumption but can cause temporary hypoglycaemia after anaesthesia induction.

The Effect of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Solution Intake on Patient Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Study

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on the preoperative discomforts and postoperative complications of patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy. A randomized controlled clinical trial. Ninety patients scheduled for thyroidectomy were divided into three groups: (1) those receiving a carbohydrate-rich drink (CHD), (2) those receiving an overnight 5% glucose intravenous infusion, and (3) those fasting from midnight. The preoperative discomforts and postoperative complications of patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The patients' vital signs and blood glucose levels were measured perioperatively. In the preoperative assessment, hunger, thirst, mouth dryness, chill, and headache adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, and duration of the operation were all found to be significantly higher in the glucose and fasting groups than the CHD group (P < .01). In the postoperative period, the fasting group experienced more vomiting and pain compared with the CHD group (P < .05). A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate in the preoperative and intraoperative periods (P < .05). The CHD treatment before thyroidectomy increases patient comfort by reducing preoperative discomfort (such as hunger, thirst, dry mouth, fatigue and headache) and early postoperative complications (vomiting and pain).

Do preoperative oral carbohydrates improve postoperative outcomesin patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts?

Background/aim: The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the preoperative oral intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks by patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft attenuates postoperative insulin requirements, improves postoperative patient discomfort, provides inotropic support, shortens the length of the ICU stay, and shortens the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods: This randomized prospective clinical study included 152 patients with coronary artery disease who were divided into 4 groups. Carbohydrates were administered to 3 groups at different hours and doses before operation. The fourth group had an 8-h preoperative fasting period. The inotropic and vasopressor requirements, ventilation time, and ICU stay time were recorded for all of the groups. Patient wellbeing, mouth dryness, hunger, anxiety, and nausea were assessed using VAS scores of 1-10. Results: Mouth dryness and hunger were significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.03, P = 0.02). The increase in blood glucose level was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.04). The exogenous insulin requirement was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The administration of carbohydrates before elective cardiac surgery reduced insulin resistance. Based on the VAS scores, the intake of carbohydrates reduced mouth dryness and hunger. Overall, preoperative oral carbohydrate treatments can improve the postoperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries.

Are we ready for the ERAS protocol in colorectal surgery?

IntroductionModern perioperative care principles in elective colorectal surgery have already been established by international surgical authorities. Nevertheless, barriers to the introduction of routine evidence-based clinical care and changing dogmas still exist. One of the factors is the surgeon.AimTo assess perioperative care trends in elective colorectal surgery among general surgery consultants in surgical departments in Malopolska Voivodeship, Poland.Material and methodsAn anonymous standardized 20-question questionnaire was developed based on ERAS principles and sent out to Malopolska Voivodeship general surgery departments. Answers of general surgery consultants showed the level of acceptance of elements of perioperative care.ResultsThe overall response rate was 66%. Several elements (antibiotic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, postoperative oxygen therapy, no nasogastric tubes) had quite a high acceptance rate. On the other hand, most crucial surgical perioperative elements (lack of mechanical bowel preparation, preoperative oral carbohydrate loading, use of laparoscopy and lack of drains, early fluid and oral diet intake, early mobilization) were not followed according to evidence-based ERAS protocol recommendations. Surgeons were not willing to change their practice, but were supportive of changes in anesthesiologist-dependent elements of perioperative care, such as restrictive fluid therapy, use of transversus abdominis plane blocks, etc.ConclusionsMany elements of perioperative care in elective colorectal surgery in Malopolska Voivodeship are still dictated by dogma and are not evidence-based. The level of acceptance of many important ERAS protocol elements is low. Surgeons are ready to accept only changes that do not interfere with their practice.

Does preoperative oral carbohydrate treatment reduce the postoperative surgical stress response in lumbar disc surgery?

ObjectivesSurgical trauma produces metabolic and hormonal responses, which are characterized by insulin resistance. Due to extension of the preoperative fasting period, which increases the magnitude of postoperative insulin resistance, preoperative oral carbohydrates (POC) have been developed. Patients and methodsThis prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed on 43 ASA I–II patients undergoing elective microsurgical lumbar discectomy. The intervention group received oral carbohydrate solution 800mL the night before and 400mL 2h prior to operation. The other group fasted for 8h prior to operation. Blood samples were obtained the day before the operation, before induction of anesthesia, after skin incision, 1h, 2h, 6h and 24h following skin incision. Blood glucose, plasma insulin, cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined. The primary endpoint was to assess the effect of POC treatment on insulin resistance and surgical stress response following lumbar disc surgery. The secondary endpoint was to assess POC’s effects on postoperative nausea and vomiting. ResultsThe serum insulin levels were higher before induction of anesthesia in the study group and returned to fasted group levels by 2h after skin incision. The plasma IL-6 levels were higher in the intervention group at 6h after the skin incision. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to blood glucose, plasma cortisol levels and the incidence of nausea and vomiting. ConclusionThis study suggests that use of POC treatment does not attenuate development of insulin resistance in patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery.

MON-P244: Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Supplement with Minimal NPO in Major Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

MON-P244: Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Supplement with Minimal NPO in Major Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

The Influence of Oral Carbohydrate Solution Intake on Stress Response before Total Hip Replacement Surgery during Epidural and General Anaesthesia.

The effects of oral carbohydrate solutions, ingested 2 h prior to operation, on stress response were studied in patients undergoing general or epidural anaesthesia. The study was performed on 80 ASA I-II adult patients undergoing elective total hip replacement, which were randomized to four groups (n=20). Group G patients undergoing general anaesthesia fasted for 8 h preoperatively; Group GN patients undergoing general anaesthesia drank oral carbohydrate solutions preoperatively; Group E patients undergoing epidural anaesthesia fasted for 8 h and Group EN patients undergoing epidural anaesthesia drank oral carbohydrate solutions preoperatively. Groups GN and EN drank 800 mL of 12.5% oral carbohydrate solution at 24:00 preoperatively and 400 mL 2 h before the operation. Blood samples were taken for measurements of glucose, insulin, cortisol and IL-6 levels. The effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate ingestion on blood glucose levels was not significant. Insulin levels 24 h prior to surgery were similar; however, insulin levels measured just before surgery were 2-3 times higher in groups GN and EN than in groups G and E. Insulin levels at the 24(th) postoperative hour in epidural groups were increased compared to those at basal levels, although general anaesthesia groups showed a decrease. From these measurements, only the change in Group EN was statistically significant (p<0.05). Plasma cortisol levels at the 2(nd) peroperative hour were higher in epidural groups than in general anaesthesia groups. Both anaesthesia techniques did not have an effect on IL-6 levels. We concluded that epidural anaesthesia suppressed stress response, although preoperative oral carbohydrate nutrition did not reveal a significant effect on surgical stress response.

A preliminary, randomised controlled trial of preoperative oral carbohydrate drinks on postoperative walking capacity in elective colorectal surgery

A preliminary, randomised controlled trial of preoperative oral carbohydrate drinks on postoperative walking capacity in elective colorectal surgery

The Effect of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate or Oral Rehydration Solution on Postoperative Quality of Recovery: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundNumerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of preoperative administration of oral carbohydrate (CHO) or oral rehydration solution (ORS). However, the effects of preoperative CHO or ORS on postoperative quality of recovery after anesthesia remain unclear. Consequently, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative CHO or ORS on patient recovery, using the Quality of Recovery 40 questionnaire (QoR-40).MethodsThis prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 and 2 adult patients, who were scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure of body surface. Subjects were randomized to one of the three groups: 1) preoperative CHO group, 2) preoperative ORS group, and 3) control group. The primary outcome was the global QoR-40 administered 24 h after surgery. Intraoperative use of vasopressor, intraoperative body temperature changes, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were also evaluated.ResultsWe studied 134 subjects. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] global QoR-40 scores 24 h after the surgery were 187 [177–197], 186 [171–200], and 184 [171–198] for the CHO, ORS, and control groups, respectively (p = 0.916). No significant differences existed between the groups regarding intraoperative vasopressor use during the surgery (p = 0.475).ConclusionsResults of the current study indicated that the preoperative administration of either CHO or ORS did not improve the quality of recovery in patients undergoing minimally invasive body surface surgery.Trial Registration www.umin.ac.jp UMIN000009388 https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&type=summary&recptno=R000011029&language=E

Preoperative oral carbohydrate therapy.

Management of the postoperative response to surgical stress is an important issue in major surgery. Avoiding preoperative fasting using preoperative oral carbohydrates (POC) has been suggested as a measure to prevent and reduce the extent to which such derangements occur. This review summarizes the current evidence and rationale for this treatment. A recent review from the Cochrane Collaboration reports enhanced gastrointestinal recovery and shorter hospital stay with the use of POC with no effect on postoperative complication rates. Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate improved postoperative metabolic response after POC administration, including reduced insulin resistance, protein sparing, improved muscle function and preserved immune response. Cohort studies in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery have shown that the use of POC as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol is a significant predictor for improved clinical outcomes. Avoiding preoperative fasting with POC is associated with attenuated postoperative insulin resistance, improved metabolic response, enhanced perioperative well-being, and better clinical outcomes. The impact is greatest for patients undergoing major surgeries.

Does perioperative nutrition and oral carbohydrate load sustainably preserve muscle mass after bariatric surgery? A randomized control trial

BackgroundPerioperative nutrition and preoperative oral carbohydrate loading (CHL) have a beneficial impact on the outcomes of gastrointestinal oncological surgery. However no data exists on their effect on morbidly obese patients. ObjectivesOur aim was to establish the short-term and long-term impact of these modalities, notably on metabolically active lean body mass (LBM) — an important factor in maintaining long-term weight loss. MethodsPatients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were randomized to standard management or intervention: CHL drinks consumed 12 and 2 hours presurgery, and immediate postoperative peripheral parenteral nutrition. The primary outcome measured was LBM, measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), one and 12 months postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included excess weight loss (EBWL), 30-day complication rate, and length of stay. ResultsOf the 203 randomized patients, 198 were included in the analysis. All 101 patients in the control group completed the one-year follow up and 76 completed the BIA. In the intervention group, 93 of 97 patients completed the one-year follow-up and 71 completed the BIA. At one and 12 months follow-up, body composition, LBM, or EBWL were comparable. There was no difference in operative outcomes, complications rates, or length of stay. There was no adverse effect in the intervention group. ConclusionsIn a highly homogeneous group of morbidly obese patients with one-year follow-up, CHL and short-term parenteral nutrition did not lead to significant or sustained LBM preservation or modification in EBWL. There was no significant decrease in complications or length of stay. Our study confirms the safety of these interventions, even in previously unstudied Type 2 diabetic patients.

A randomized trial of preoperative oral carbohydrates in abdominal surgery.

BackgroundCarbohydrate-rich liquid drinks (CRLDs) have been recommended to attenuate insulin resistance by shortening the preoperative fasting interval. The aim of our study the effect of preoperative oral administration of CRLDs on the well-being and clinical status of patients.MethodsA randomized, double blind, prospective study of patients undergoing open colorectal operations (CR) and open cholecyctectomy (CH) was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups: study, placebo, and control. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for seven parameters (thirst, hunger, anxiety, mouth dryness, nausea, weakness and sleep quality) were recorded and compared for two different time periods (up to 24 h postoperatively and from 36 to 48 h postoperatively). The Simplified Acute Physiology Score changes (SAPS)-II between the three groups were also studied.ResultsThere were 142 patients American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) I or II enrolled in the study (CR = 71 and CH = 71). There were no significant differences in postoperative SAPS-II scores or lengths of hospital stay (LOS) between the groups. However, in CR patients, the degree of thirst was partially improved by drinking CRLDs (P = 0.027). In CH patients, on the other hand, feelings of thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, nausea and weakness showed significant improvement (P < 0.05).ConclusionOral administration of carbohydrate-rich liquid drinks (CRLDs) improves the well-being in patients undergoing CH, but the effect is less evident in patients undergoing CR. No significant improvements were seen in clinical status or in length of hospital stay in either group.Trial registrationANZCTR.org.au: ACTRN12614000995673 (registered on 16/09/2014).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2253-14-93) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PP259-SUN: Outstanding abstract: Assessment of Tolerance and Metabolic Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Solution in Children

PP259-SUN: Outstanding abstract: Assessment of Tolerance and Metabolic Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Solution in Children

Tolerance of, and metabolic effects of, preoperative oral carbohydrate administration in children - a preliminary report.

The need for long preoperative fasting has been questioned. Recent data shows that intake of an oral carbohydrate-containing clear fluid prior to anaesthesia is safe and may have a positive impact on recovery and metabolic status and could improve glucose tolerance. Such solutions are routinely used in adults but not children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerance and influence of oral carbohydrate on selected metabolic parameters in children. With ethics committee approval and parental informed consent, 20 children, aged 4-17 years, ASA status I or II, scheduled for abdominal or thoracic surgery were randomised either to Group 1 - receiving a 12.6% carbohydrate-containing drink (10 mL kg(-1) the evening before surgery and two hours before anaesthesia), or the control Group 2 - fasting. Serum glucose and insulin concentration were measured four times: before and after anaesthesia, in the evening after surgery, and the following morning. IGF-1 concentration was measured once, before surgery. Insulin resistance was assessed by the HOMA-IR equation. Oral carbohydrate solution was well tolerated and no adverse events were noted. Glucose concentrations were within the normal range in both groups. Insulin concentration did not show significant differences between groups, however before surgery it tended to be lower in Group 1. Insulin resistance after surgery was significantly higher in Group 2 (2.0 vs. 0.62, P = 0.03), also the increase in insulin resistance after operation was significant only in the control group (P = 0.03). Oral carbohydrates are safe, well tolerated and do not cause any perioperative adverse events. They seem to improve postoperative metabolism by decreasing insulin resistance.

Single-dose carbohydrate treatment in the immediate preoperative phase diminishes development of postoperative peripheral insulin resistance

Preoperative oral carbohydrate (CHO) treatment is known to reduce postoperative insulin resistance, but the necessity of a preoperative evening dose is uncertain. We investigated the effect of single-dose CHO treatment two hours before surgery on postoperative insulin sensitivity. Thirty two pigs (∼ 30 kg) were randomized to 4 groups (n = 8) followed by D-[6,6-(2)H2] glucose infusion and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic step clamping. Two groups received a morning drink of 25 g carbohydrate (CHO/surgery and CHO/control). Animals in the other two groups were fasted overnight (fasting/surgery and fasting/control). Counter-regulatory hormones, free fatty acids (FFA) and liver and muscle glycogen content were measured serially. Glucose infusion rates needed to maintain euglycemia were higher after CHO/surgery than fasting/surgery during low (8.54 ± 0.82 vs. 6.15 ± 0.27 mg/kg/min, P < 0.05), medium (17.26 ± 1.08 vs. 14.02 ± 0.56 mg/kg/min, P < 0.02) and high insulin clamping (19.83 ± 0.95 vs. 17.16 ± 0.58 mg/kg/min, P < 0.05). The control groups exhibited identical insulin sensitivity. Compared to their respective controls, insulin-stimulated whole-body glucose disposal was significantly reduced after fasting/surgery (-41%, P < 0.001), but not after CHO/surgery (-16%, P = 0.180). CHO reduced FFA perioperatively (P < 0.05) and during the clamp procedures (P < 0.02), but did not affect hepatic insulin sensitivity, liver and muscle glycogen content or counter-regulatory hormone profiles. A strong negative correlation between peripheral insulin sensitivity and mean cortisol levels was seen in fasted (R = -0.692, P = 0.003), but not in CHO loaded pigs. Single-dose preoperative CHO treatment is sufficient to reduce postoperative insulin resistance, possibly due to the antilipolytic effects and antagonist properties of preoperative hyperinsulinemia on the suppressant actions of cortisol on carbohydrate oxidation.