The effect of oral fluid administration1 hour before surgery on preoperative anxiety and gastric volume in pediatric patients

Objective:It is a natural process for children who will undergo surgery and their parents to experience fear of the unknown. The addition of the child's hunger to this anxiety, which can be experienced intensively in the preoperative period, makes the process more complicated. Preoperative fasting periods have changed considerably today; for clear liquid foods it is reduced to 1 hour. However, the possibility that clear liquid foods given in the preoperative period may lead to aspiration is not desirable. Considering these parameters, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of clear fluid given 1 hour before the preoperatively on the anxiety and gastric volumes of the child. Material and Method:The study included 90 pediatric patients aged 5-12 years with ASA score 1-2. Group A (n=30): Standard fasting group. Group S (n=30): A group of patients who were given oral 5 mL/kg (maximum 250 ml) of water 1 hour ago. Group K (n=30): A group of patients who were given an oral 5 mL/kg (maximum 250 ml) carbohydrate rich clear liquid 1 hour ago. All patients were evaluated with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) before and 1 hour after fluids were administered. After intubation, gastric antrum cross-sectional area (GACSA) was measured. Gastric residual volume (GRV) values were calculated. Hemodynamic data, blood sugar levels and parental satisfaction were recorded. Results:Measurements of m-YPAS after 1 hour were significantly lower in Group K compared with Group S and Group A (p<0.001). GACSA and GRV values were lower in the carbohydrate fluid and water intake groups than in the fasting group (p<0.001). Parental satisfaction was highest in the group receiving the carbonhydratefluid. Conclusion:Giving oral water and carbohydrate fluids to children 1 hour before preoperatively reduces preoperative anxiety without increasing gastric volume. It can even be said that carbohydrate fluid intake is more effective on anxiety. Keywords: Preoperative period; carbohydrate; anxiety; ultrasonography; pediatrics.