The Effect of Low-Volume Oral Carbohydrate Loading on Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting, and Functional Recovery in Patients Undergoing Metabolic Bariatric Surgery

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of preoperative administration of 200 mL of a 12.5% sucrose solution on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and functional recovery in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Methods: Single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 105 patients undergoing elective MBS (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–IV). Participants were allocated by block randomization to an intervention or control group. The intervention group received 200 mL of a 12.5% sucrose solution 2 h before surgery, whereas the control group followed standard fasting. Participant and investigator blinding was not feasible; however, follow-up nurses and the statistician were blinded. PONV was assessed at 24 h using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, and functional recovery at discharge and postoperative day 30 using the Postoperative Recovery Index (PoRI). Results: No significant between-group differences were observed in PONV at 24 h or total PoRI scores. However, the intervention group showed significantly better physical activity and general symptoms subscale scores on postoperative day 30. No intervention-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Low-volume sucrose-based carbohydrate loading appeared safe and improved physical activity and general symptoms during recovery after MBS. Although the lack of a placebo or equal-volume clear-fluid control warrants cautious interpretation, this simple nurse-led intervention may represent a feasible Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-aligned strategy to enhance postoperative recovery.