If you're scheduled to undergo hip arthroplasty surgery, you may be experiencing preoperative anxiety about the procedure. However, a recent clinical trial found that administering oral carbohydrate solution (OCS) before hip arthroplasty surgery can significantly reduce anxiety levels and improve patient comfort during and after the procedure.
The randomized-controlled experimental study was conducted in the orthopedics and traumatology clinic of a public hospital. Researchers obtained approval from the Ethics Committee of a University and written permission from the hospital where the research was conducted. Additionally, verbal and written permissions of the patients included in the study were obtained. The study included 50 patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, randomized into two groups. The intervention group (n=25) received OCS before surgery, and the control group (n=25) fasted from midnight till surgery.
The demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, or other demographic characteristics.
Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The study found that the OCS group's state anxiety level showed a significant decrease before surgery compared to the control group, who fasted before surgery.
The study found that administering OCS before hip arthroplasty surgery positively affected patients' blood glucose regulation, anxiety, and comfort levels. In both intergroup and intragroup assessments, the decrease in preoperative and postoperative anxiety, pain, thirst, hunger, and nausea/vomiting levels was statistically significant in the OCS group. The OCS group's comfort levels specific to hip replacement were higher than those of the control group.
Conclusion
This clinical trial provides evidence supporting the administration of OCS before hip arthroplasty surgery to reduce anxiety levels and improve patient comfort. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating OCS into preoperative nutrition management as part of multidisciplinary team cooperation. Further research is recommended to strengthen the evidence level of the study results.
__________