Effect of Preoperative Carbohydrate Drink and Postoperative Chewing Gum on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Day Care Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) causes an unexpected prolonged hospital stay after ambulatory surgery. Novel measures such as preoperative loading of oral carbohydrates and postoperative chewing gum have recently gained momentum for postoperative recovery. This study evaluated the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading and postoperative chewing gum (CG) on PONV after daycare laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods A total of 100 patients were randomized to group A (preoperative carbohydrate loading with 200 ml of water with 25 g of carbohydrate and postoperative chewing gum (CG) when the patient responded to his/her name) and group B (standard care). The incidence of PONV and pain was assessed by using visual analogue scale. Quality of recovery (QoR‐15) was assessed by using QoR15 questionnaire at 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery. Results The incidence of PONV and pain was lower in group A; however, it was not significant ( p > 0.05). The severity of PONV, pain and the need for rescue antiemetic was significantly lower in group A ( p < 0.05). The episodes of PONV and required dose of antiemetic were less in group A. Group A also had a significantly higher QoR‐15 score at all time points ( p < 0.001). Preoperative dyspepsia was also noticed as a significant confounding predictor for postoperative vomiting. Conclusion Preoperative carbohydrate drinks and early postoperative CG reduces the severity of PONV and requirement of antiemetics in patients undergoing LC. Hence, these simple measures can be used as a standard of care to optimize perioperative care in patients undergoing daycare surgery.