Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate electrolyte drinks on preoperative hypokalemia incidence in patients scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal resection: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background:In our previous study, hypokalemia incidence was high in patients scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal resection. The present trial was conducted to verify the effects of preoperative carbohydrate drinks containing potassium in these patients. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to control, placebo, and case groups. In control group, patients were fasted from midnight. In placebo group, patients were fasted from midnight and received carbohydrate drinks 2–3 h before surgery. In case group, patients were fasted from midnight and received carbohydrate drinks containing potassium supplementation 2–3 h before surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence and severity of preoperative hypokalemia. The other outcomes included postoperative gastrointestinal function, including the time to postoperative first flatus (FFL) and first feces (FFE) and other complications. Results: The final analysis included 122 participants. The incidence of preoperative hypokalemia in case group was significantly lower than that in control and placebo groups (50% vs. 88.1% vs. 77.5%, p < 0.001). The severity of hypokalemia in control and placebo groups was greater than that in case group. No regurgitation or aspiration occurred in the three groups. No significant differences were observed among the three groups regarding time to FFL and FFE. Conclusions: Preoperative carbohydrate drinks containing potassium may have significantly reduced the incidence of preoperative hypokalemia and improved preoperative thirst and hunger, but did not improve postoperative well-being. However, as part of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, preoperative carbohydrate drinks containing potassium should be recommended, as early as first admittance to hospital.