Residual gastric volume after 3 h of the ingestion of an oral supplement containing carbohydrates alone or associated with whey protein: a randomized crossover pilot study.

BACKGROUND: New formulas including a nitrogenous source to maltodextrin have been reported as preoperative beverages 2-3 h before anesthesia in the elective procedure. Whey protein is a potential candidate for the composition of this clear oral supplement. This study aimed to investigate the gastric residual volume (GRV) of healthy volunteers 3 h after the ingestion of an oral supplement containing carbohydrates (CHO) alone or combined with whey protein (WP). METHODS: This crossover clinical trial design includes young, healthy male volunteers with normal body mass index. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the upper abdomen to measure the GRV was performed in the participants in three phases: (1) after a fasting period of 8 h; (2) immediately after the ingestion of 200 mL of a clear supplement containing: (2a) 10 g of WP and 54 g of CHO (74% glucose and 26% maltodextrin)-WP + CHO group or (2b) 12.5% maltodextrin (25 g)-CHO group; and (3) after 3 h of the ingestion of both types of supplements. A week interval was programmed between phases 2a and 2b. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p = 0.91; within-group comparison) of the mean ± SD of the GRV between phase 1 (WP + CHO: 23.45 ± 14.01; CHO: 25.03 ± 15.17 cm3; p = 0.78; between-groups comparison) and phase 3 (WP + CHO: 25.66 ± 9.31; CHO: 23.45 ± 13.58 cm3, p = 0.86; between-groups comparison). The GRV of phase 2 (WP + CHO: 206.43 ± 23; CHO: 203.99 ± 12.18 cm3; p = 0.82; between-groups comparison) was significantly greater (p < 0.01; within-group comparison) than both other two phases. CONCLUSION: The GRV after 3 h of the ingestion of either WP + CHO or CHO oral supplement returns to basal fast condition implying that gastric emptying after this interval of time is significantly completed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered and posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov public website with Identifier: NCT05573854.

Postoperative hypothermia following non-cardiac high-risk surgery: A prospective study of temporal patterns and risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypothermia occurs commonly during surgery and can cause postoperative complications. We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of hypothermia in patients undergoing major surgeries. METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicenter study of a nationally representative sample included all patients over 18 years of age admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Thirty ICUs were selected randomly at national level. The main outcome measure was the proportion of patients who developed postoperative hypothermia in the first 24 hours of ICU admission. Patients were divided into three groups based on temperature: <35°C, <36°C, and ≥36°C (no hypothermia). Patients' characteristics, postoperative complications, and risk factors were evaluated in all groups. To verify whether hypothermia was a strong risk factor for postoperative complications, a Kaplan-Meier curve was generated and adjusted using a Cox regression model. RESULTS: In total, 738 patients had their temperatures measured. The percentage of patients with temperature <35°C (median [Q1-Q3], 34.7°C [34.3-34.9°C]) was 19.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.1-22.5) and that of patients with temperature <36°C (median [Q1-Q3], 35.4°C [35.0-35.8°C]) was 64% (95% CI = 58.3-70.0). The percentage of surgical complications was 38.9%. Patients with hypothermia were older, had undergone abdominal surgeries, had undergone procedures of longer duration, and had more comorbidities. A postoperative temperature ≤35°C was an independent risk for composite postoperative complications (hazard ratio = 1.523, 95% CI = 1.15-2.0), especially coagulation and infection. CONCLUSIONS: Inadvertent hypothermia was frequent among patients admitted to the ICU and occurred more likely after abdominal surgery, after a long procedure, in elderly patients, and in patients with a higher number of comorbidities. Low postoperative temperature was associated with postoperative complications.

Acerto Project - 15 years changing perioperative care in Brazil / Projeto Acerto - 15 anos modificando cuidados perioperatórios no Brasil

ABSTRACT The ACERTO project is a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Implemented in 2005, the project in the last 15 years has disseminated the idea of a modern perioperative care protocol, based on evidence and with interdisciplinary team work. Dozens of published studies, using the protocol, have shown benefits such as reduced hospital stay, postoperative complications and hospital costs. Disseminated in Brazil, the project is supported by the Brazilian College of Surgeons and the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, among others. This article compiles publications by the authors who belong to the CNPq research group "Acerto em Nutrição e Cirurgia", refers to the experience of other national authors in various surgical specialties, and finally outlines the evolution of the ACERTO project in the timeline.

RESUMO O projeto ACERTO é um protocolo multimodal de cuidados perioperatórios. Implementado em 2005, o projeto, nos últimos 15 anos, tem disseminado a ideia de moderno protocolo de cuidados perioperatórios baseados em evidência e com atuação interprofissional. Dezenas de estudos publicados com o uso do protocolo têm mostrado benefícios como redução do tempo de internação, complicações pós-operatórias e custos hospitalares. Disseminado pelo Brasil, o projeto tem apoio do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões e da Sociedade Brasileira de Nutrição Parenteral e Enteral, entre outros. Este artigo compila publicações dos autores que compõem o grupo de pesquisa do CNPq "Acerto em Nutrição e Cirurgia", cita a experiência de outros autores nacionais em diversas especialidades cirúrgica e finalmente, delineia a evolução do projeto ACERTO ao longo da linha do tempo.

Association between preoperative potential sarcopenia and survival of cancer patients undergoing major surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the impact of probable sarcopenia (PS) on the survival of oncological patients submitted to major surgeries. METHOD: prospective cohort bicentrical study enrolling adult oncological patients submitted to major surgeries at Cancer Hospital and Santa Casa de Misericordia in Cuiabá-MT. The main endpoint was the verification of postoperative death. Demographic and clinical data was collected. PS was defined as the presence of 1) sarcopenia risk assessed by SARC-F questionnaire and 2) low muscle strength measured by dynamometry. The cumulative mortality rate was calculated for patients with either PS or non PS using Kaplan Meier curve. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association of mortality with various investigated confounding variables. RESULTS: a total of 220 patients with a mean (SD) age of 58.7±14.0 years old, 60.5% males participated of the study. Patients with PS had higher risk to postoperative death (RR=5.35 95%CI 1.95-14.66; p=0,001) and for infectious complications (RR=2.45 95%CI 1.12-5.33; p=0.036). The 60 days mean survival was shorter for patients with PS: 44 (IQR=32-37) vs 58 (IQR=56-59) days (log rank <0,001). The Cox multivariate regression showed that PS was an independent risk factor (HR=5.8 95%CI 1.49-22.58; p=0.011) for mortality. CONCLUSION: patients bearing PS submitted to major oncological surgery have less probability of short term survival and preoperative PS is an independent risk for postoperative mortality.

Major oncological surgery reduces muscular function in patients with or without nutritional risk.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate the impact of oncological surgical procedures on the muscle function of patients with and without nutritional risk. METHODS: cross-sectional study conducted with cancer patients undergoing major operations between July 2018 to March 2019 in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Patients were assessed preoperatively for the nutritional risk by the Nutricional Risk Screening-2002, and handgrip strength (FPP) was assessed both on the pre- and 2nd and 5th postoperative days (PO). RESULTS: 92 patients were evaluated, of whom 55.4% were men and 44.6% women, with a mean age (SD) of 64 (10.81) for patients at risk and 51 (12.99) for patients without nutritional risk. The preoperative nutritional risk evaluation indicated that 34.8% of the patients had no risk and 65.2% had a nutritional risk. The FPP was lower (p = 0.008) in the group with nutritional risk in the preoperative period. In both groups, there was a significant drop in FPP on the 2nd PO day. The preoperative FPP compared with the 2nd PO FPP was more pronounced in patients without nutritional risk (p = 0.039). Patients with nutritional risk had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: surgical trauma causes loss of muscle function in the early PO. Patients without nutritional risk have a more significant decrease in muscle strength after surgical oncological procedures than those with nutritional risk. These results may infer the need to implement pre-habilitation in all patients who will undergo major oncological procedures.

Major oncological surgery reduces muscular function in patients with or without nutritional risk / Cirurgia oncológica de grande porte reduz a função muscular de pacientes com e sem risco nutricional

ABSTRACT Objectives : to investigate the impact of oncological surgical procedures on the muscle function of patients with and without nutritional risk. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted with cancer patients undergoing major operations between July 2018 to March 2019 in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Patients were assessed preoperatively for the nutritional risk by the Nutricional Risk Screening-2002, and handgrip strength (FPP) was assessed both on the pre- and 2nd and 5th postoperative days (PO). Results: 92 patients were evaluated, of whom 55.4% were men and 44.6% women, with a mean age (SD) of 64 (10.81) for patients at risk and 51 (12.99) for patients without nutritional risk. The preoperative nutritional risk evaluation indicated that 34.8% of the patients had no risk and 65.2% had a nutritional risk. The FPP was lower (p = 0.008) in the group with nutritional risk in the preoperative period. In both groups, there was a significant drop in FPP on the 2nd PO day. The preoperative FPP compared with the 2nd PO FPP was more pronounced in patients without nutritional risk (p = 0.039). Patients with nutritional risk had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.049). Conclusion: surgical trauma causes loss of muscle function in the early PO. Patients without nutritional risk have a more significant decrease in muscle strength after surgical oncological procedures than those with nutritional risk. These results may infer the need to implement pre-habilitation in all patients who will undergo major oncological procedures.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar o impacto de procedimentos cirúrgicos oncológicos na função muscular de pacientes com e sem risco nutricional. Métodos: estudo observacional realizado com pacientes oncológicos candidatos a operações de grande porte entre julho de 2018 a março de 2019 em Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Os pacientes foram avaliados no pré-operatório quanto ao risco nutricional pela Nutricional Risk Screening-2002 e avaliou-se a força de preensão palmar (FPP) tanto no pré- quanto no 2º e 5º dia de pós-operatório (PO). Resultados: Foram avaliados 92 pacientes, dos quais 55,4% eram homens e 44,6% mulheres, com média (DP) de idade de 64 (10,81) para pacientes com risco e 51 (12,99) para pacientes sem risco nutricional. A avaliação nutricional pré-operatória mostrou que 34,8% dos pacientes não tinham risco e 65,2% apresentavam risco nutricional. A FPP foi menor (p=0,008) no grupo com risco nutricional no pré-operatório. Em ambos os grupos houve queda significativa da FPP no 2º dia de PO. A queda da FPP do pré-operatório para o 2º dia de PO foi mais pronunciada em pacientes sem risco nutricional (p=0,039). Pacientes com risco nutricional apresentaram maior tempo de internação (p=0,049). Conclusão: O trauma cirúrgico acarreta perda da função muscular no PO precoce. Pacientes sem risco nutricional apresentam queda da força muscular mais expressiva após procedimentos cirúrgicos oncológicos do que aqueles com risco nutricional. Esses resultados servem como argumento bastante forte para a implementação da Pré-habilitação em todos os pacientes candidatos a operações oncológicas de grande porte.

Association between preoperative potential sarcopenia and survival of cancer patients undergoing major surgical procedures / Associação entre provável sarcopenia pré-operatória e sobrevida de pacientes oncológicos submetidos a operações de grande porte

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the impact of probable sarcopenia (PS) on the survival of oncological patients submitted to major surgeries. Method: prospective cohort bicentrical study enrolling adult oncological patients submitted to major surgeries at Cancer Hospital and Santa Casa de Misericordia in Cuiabá-MT. The main endpoint was the verification of postoperative death. Demographic and clinical data was collected. PS was defined as the presence of 1) sarcopenia risk assessed by SARC-F questionnaire and 2) low muscle strength measured by dynamometry. The cumulative mortality rate was calculated for patients with either PS or non PS using Kaplan Meier curve. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association of mortality with various investigated confounding variables. Results: a total of 220 patients with a mean (SD) age of 58.7±14.0 years old, 60.5% males participated of the study. Patients with PS had higher risk to postoperative death (RR=5.35 95%CI 1.95-14.66; p=0,001) and for infectious complications (RR=2.45 95%CI 1.12-5.33; p=0.036). The 60 days mean survival was shorter for patients with PS: 44 (IQR=32-37) vs 58 (IQR=56-59) days (log rank <0,001). The Cox multivariate regression showed that PS was an independent risk factor (HR=5.8 95%CI 1.49-22.58; p=0.011) for mortality. Conclusion: patients bearing PS submitted to major oncological surgery have less probability of short term survival and preoperative PS is an independent risk for postoperative mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da provável sarcopenia (PS) pré-operatória na sobrevida de pacientes oncológicos submetidos a operações de grande porte. Métodos: estudo bicêntrico de coorte prospectivo, realizado com pacientes oncológicos adultos, submetidos a operação de grande porte no Hospital de Câncer e na Santa Casa de Misericórdia em Cuiabá-MT. A variável principal foi a ocorrência de óbito pós-operatório. Coletou-se dados demográficos, clínicos e o diagnóstico de PS, definido pela presença de: 1) risco de sarcopenia pelo questionário SARC-F e 2) baixa força muscular (Kgf) mensurada pela dinamometria. Calculou-se a taxa de sobrevida acumulada para os pacientes com e sem PS pela curva de Kaplan-Meier. Aplicou-se o modelo de regressão de Cox uni e multivariado para avaliar a associação da mortalidade com covariáveis de confundimento investigadas. Resultados: participaram do estudo 220 pacientes com idade média (DP) de 58,7±14,0 anos, sendo 60,5% do sexo masculino. Quatorze (6,4%) pacientes foram considerados com PS. Os pacientes com PS apresentaram risco aumentado para a ocorrência de óbito (RR=5,35 IC95% 1,95-14,66; p=0,001) e para complicações infecciosas (RR=2,45 IC95% 1,12-5,33; p=0,036). A sobrevida média em 60 dias, foi menor para os pacientes com PS: 44 (IIQ=32-37) vs 58 (IIQ=56-59) dias (log rank <0,001). A regressão Multivariada de Cox, mostrou que a PS foi fator de risco independente (HR=5,8 IC95% 1,49-22,58; p=0,011) para a mortalidade. Conclusão: os pacientes com PS submetidos a operações oncológicas de grande porte apresentam menor probabilidade de sobrevida a curto prazo e a PS pré-operatória, é fator de risco independente para mortalidade pós-operatória.

ACERTO guidelines of perioperative nutritional interventions in elective general surgery.

OBJECTIVE: to present recommendations based on the ACERTO Project (Acceleration of Total Post-Operative Recovery) and supported by evidence related to perioperative nutritional care in General Surgery elective procedures. METHODS: review of relevant literature from 2006 to 2016, based on a search conducted in the main databases, with the purpose of answering guiding questions previously formulated by specialists, within each theme of this guideline. We preferably used randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyzes but also selected some cohort studies. We contextualized each recommendation-guiding question to determine the quality of the evidence and the strength of this recommendation (GRADE). This material was sent to authors using an open online questionnaire. After receiving the answers, we formalized the consensus for each recommendation of this guideline. RESULTS: the level of evidence and the degree of recommendation for each item is presented in text form, followed by a summary of the evidence found. CONCLUSION: this guideline reflects the recommendations of the group of specialists of the Brazilian College of Surgeons, the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the ACERTO Project for nutritional interventions in the perioperative period of Elective General Surgery. The prescription of these recommendations can accelerate the postoperative recovery of patients submitted to elective general surgery, with decrease in morbidity, length of stay and rehospitalization, and consequently, of costs.

ACERTO guidelines of perioperative nutritional interventions in elective general surgery / Diretriz ACERTO de intervenções nutricionais no perioperatório em cirurgia geral eletiva

ABSTRACT Objective: to present recommendations based on the ACERTO Project (Acceleration of Total Post-Operative Recovery) and supported by evidence related to perioperative nutritional care in General Surgery elective procedures. Methods: review of relevant literature from 2006 to 2016, based on a search conducted in the main databases, with the purpose of answering guiding questions previously formulated by specialists, within each theme of this guideline. We preferably used randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyzes but also selected some cohort studies. We contextualized each recommendation-guiding question to determine the quality of the evidence and the strength of this recommendation (GRADE). This material was sent to authors using an open online questionnaire. After receiving the answers, we formalized the consensus for each recommendation of this guideline. Results: the level of evidence and the degree of recommendation for each item is presented in text form, followed by a summary of the evidence found. Conclusion: this guideline reflects the recommendations of the group of specialists of the Brazilian College of Surgeons, the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the ACERTO Project for nutritional interventions in the perioperative period of Elective General Surgery. The prescription of these recommendations can accelerate the postoperative recovery of patients submitted to elective general surgery, with decrease in morbidity, length of stay and rehospitalization, and consequently, of costs.

RESUMO Objetivo: apresentar recomendações, baseadas no Projeto ACERTO (Aceleração da Recuperação Total Pós-Operatória) e sustentada por evidências, relativas aos cuidados nutricionais perioperatórios em procedimentos eletivos em Cirurgia Geral. Métodos: revisão da literatura pertinente entre 2006 e 2016, com base em busca realizada nas principais bases de dados, com o intuito de responder a perguntas norteadoras previamente formuladas por especialistas, dentro de cada temática desta diretriz. Foram selecionados alguns estudos de coorte, mas, preferencialmente, foram utilizados estudos aleatórios controlados, revisões sistemáticas e meta-análises. Cada pergunta norteadora de recomendação foi contextualizada de modo a determinar a qualidade da evidência e a força desta recomendação (GRADE). Este material foi enviado aos autores utilizando um questionário aberto on-line. Após o recebimento das respostas, formalizou-se o consenso para cada recomendação desta diretriz. Resultados: o nível de evidência e o grau de recomendação para cada item é apresentado em forma de texto, seguido de resumo da evidência encontrada. Conclusão: esta diretriz traduz as recomendações do grupo de especialistas do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, da Sociedade Brasileira de Nutrição Parenteral e Enteral e do Projeto ACERTO para intervenções nutricionais no período perioperatório em Cirurgia Geral eletiva. A prescrição dessas recomendações pode acelerar a recuperação pós-operatória de pacientes submetidos a operações eletivas em cirurgia geral, com diminuição de morbidade, do tempo de internação e de reinternações e, consequentemente, dos custos.

Preoperative carbohydrate load and intraoperatively infused omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids positively impact nosocomial morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting: a double-blind controlled randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: A strategy of limited preoperative fasting, with carbohydrate (CHO) loading and intraoperative infusion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), has seldom been tried in cardiovascular surgery. Brief fasting, followed by CHO intake 2 h before anesthesia, may improve recovery from CABG procedures and lower perioperative vasoactive drug requirements. Infusion of ω-3 PUFA may reduce occurrences of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and shorten hospital stays. The aim of this study was to assess morbidity (especially POAF) in ICU patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)/cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in combination, if preoperative fasts are curtailed in favor of CHO loading, and ω-3 PUFA are infused intraoperatively. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients undergoing CABG were randomly assigned to receive 12.5% maltodextrin (200 ml, 2 h before anesthesia), without infusing ω-3 PUFA (CHO, n = 14); water (200 ml, 2 h before anesthesia), without infusing ω-3 PUFA (controls, n = 14); 12.5% maltodextrin (200 ml, 2 h before anesthesia) plus intraoperative ω-3 PUFA (0.2 mcg/kg) (CHO + W3, n = 15); or water (200 ml, 2 h before anesthesia) plus intraoperative ω-3 PUFA (0.2 mcg/kg) (W3, n = 14). Perioperative clinical variables and mortality were analyzed, examining the incidence of POAF, as well as the need for inotropic vasoactive drugs during surgery and in ICU. RESULTS: Two deaths occurred (3.5%), but there were no instances of bronchoaspiration and mediastinitis. Neither ICU stays nor total postoperative stays differed by group (P > 0.05). Patients given preoperative CHO loads (CHO and CHO + W3 groups) experienced fewer instances of hospital infection (RR = 0.29, 95%CI 0.09-0.94; P = 0.023) and were less reliant on vasoactive amines during surgery (RR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.94; P = 0.020). Similarly, the number of patients requiring vasoactive drugs while recovering in ICU differed significantly by group (P = 0.008), showing benefits in patients given CHO loads. The overall incidence of POAF was 29.8% (17/57), differing significantly by group (P = 0.009). Groups given ω-3 PUFA (W3 and CHO + W3 groups) experienced significantly fewer instances of POAF (RR = 4.83, 95% CI 1.56-15.02; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative curtailment of fasting was safe in this cohort. When implemented in conjunction with CHO loading and infusion of ω-3 PUFA during surgery, expedited recovery from CABG with CPB was observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT: 03017001.

Multimodal perioperative care plus immunonutrition versus traditional care in total hip arthroplasty: a randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal protocols of perioperative care may enhance postoperative recovery. However, limited information is available on preoperative immune and carbohydrate (CHO)-enriched drinks in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. We aimed to investigate the effect of a multimodal protocol (ACERTO protocol) plus preoperative immune nutrition on the length of stay (LOS) and the postoperative acute phase response of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (mean age, 58 years; range, 26-85 years; 16 males) were randomized to receive either the ACERTO protocol (n = 15, ACERTO Group), which consisted of 6 h preoperative fasting for solids, an oral drink (200 mL of 12.5 % maltodextrin) up to 2 h before induction of anesthesia, restricted intravenous fluids (only 1000 mL of crystalloid fluid after surgery) and preoperative immune nutrition (600 mL/day of Impact - Nestlé, Brazil) for five days prior to surgery, or traditional care (n = 17; control group), which consisted of 6-8 h preoperative fasting, intravenous hydration until the 1(st) postoperative day and no preoperative immune supplementation. The main endpoint was LOS. C-reactive protein (CRP) was the secondary endpoint and was assessed during induction of anesthesia and on postoperative day 2. RESULTS: Neither deaths nor postoperative complications occurred. The median LOS was 3 (2-5) days in the ACERTO group and 6 (3-8) days in controls (P <0.01). Postoperative CRP was higher in the control group (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: The ACERTO multimodal protocol of perioperative care plus preoperative immune nutrition may decrease LOS and postoperative CRP levels in total hip arthroplasty. CLINICAL TRIALS: NCT02580214.

Video-assisted surgery implementation in the public health system of a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades, video-assisted surgery has become the preferential access route for many procedures. Despite cholecystectomy being the laparoscopic procedure most frequently performed in Brazilian public hospitals from 2008 to 2012, the lack of population-based studies led us to conduct a survey on the prevalence of video-assisted surgery in the treatment of patients using the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (Unified Health System), which is the universal, free, and public healthcare system of Brazil. METHODS: By analyzing the DATASUS (national public health registry database), the prevalence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy (OC) was calculated in the period from January to December in 2008, 2010 and 2012, taking into consideration their geographic distribution throughout Brazil. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, an increase in the number of laparoscopic cholecystectomies was observed, with a variation of 125.7%. However, OC was more prevalent despite an increase in the use of video-assisted surgery over the 5-year study period, increasing from 12 to 25% in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of a trend toward increased use of video-assisted surgery for treating SUS patients during the period under study, the data from 2012 are still far from being ideal. For this population, OC via laparotomy is still the most prevalent option in all regions. This information must encourage the Brazilian surgical societies to push for an improvement in the supply of the treatment provided by the public health system.

Safe intake of an oral supplement containing carbohydrates and whey protein shortly before sedation to gastroscopy; a double blind, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gastric emptying of an oral supplement containing carbohydrate plus whey protein drunk before sedation for gastroscopy. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind trial including adult patients (ages 18-65) with a chief complaint of epigastric burning and who were candidates to elective gastroscopy. After overnight fast subjects were randomized to drink 200 mL of an oral nutritional supplement containing maltodextrine in addition to whey protein 150 to 210 min before the gastroscopy (intervention group, n = 12) or to undergo the endoscopic procedure with no supplement (control group, n = 12). The residual gastric volume (RGV) suctioned and measured during the exam was the main endpoint of the study. RESULTS: There were no complications during all exams. The median (range) fasting time was greater (P < 0.001) in control group (770 min, ranging from 660-917 min) than in the study group (175 min ranging from 150 to 210 min). The median (range) RGV was similar in between the two groups (control group: 25 (10-70) mL versus intervention group: 10 (0-100) mL; p = 0.32). CONCLUSION: Gastric emptying 150-210 min after the ingestion of an oral supplement containing carbohydrate plus whey protein is similar to an overnight fasting condition. Although limited by the number of cases, the sedation for endoscopic procedures is safe with this fasting protocol.

Objetivo: Investigar el vaciado gástrico de un suplemento oral que contiene hidratos de carbono, más proteínas de suero de leche tomado antes de la sedación para endoscopia. Método: Se trata de un estudio doble ciego aleatorizado, que incluyó pacientes adultos (18-65 años de edad) por presentar epigastralgia y que eran candidatos a gastroscopia electiva. Después de una noche de ayuno los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente para tomar 200 ml de un suplemento nutricional oral que contiene maltodextrina y proteína de suero de leche, de 150 a 210 minutos antes de la sedación, para gastroscopia (grupo de intervención, n = 12) o continuar en ayuno para el procedimiento endoscópico (grupo control, n = 12). El volumen gástrico residual (RGV) aspirado y medido durante el examen fue la variable de evaluación principal del estudio. Resultados: No hubo complicaciones durante los exámenes. El tiempo medio de ayuno (rango) fue mayor (P.

Prolonged preoperative fasting in elective surgical patients: why should we reduce it?

Despite the abundance of evidence to the contrary, 6-8 hours of total preoperative fasting is still considered essential by many surgeons and anesthesiologists, based on the strength of old concepts. Patients frequently end up fasting for 12 hours or more because of delays and changes in operating room schedules. The metabolic response to long fasting leads to intensification of the organic response occurring after trauma, which is mainly manifested as increased insulin resistance, an acute-phase response, and loss of lean body mass. In fact, there has not been any evidence indicating that a shorter fast of 2-3 hours, which includes oral clear or carbohydrate (CHO)-rich (12.5% carbohydrates, 50 kcal/100 mL) fluids, results in an increased risk of aspiration, regurgitation, or related morbidity compared with the standard policy of "nil by mouth after midnight." In addition, preoperative treatment with CHO-rich fluids may reduce postoperative discomfort and, for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, may decrease the duration of postoperative hospitalization. New formulas for preoperative oral fluids containing amino acid or protein such as glutamine or whey protein are also potential candidates for early preoperative treatment and merit further study.

Clinical outcome before and after the implementation of the ACERTO protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cancer surgery in the Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital before and after implementation of the ACERTO protocol. METHODS: We prospectively observed 271 patients during two periods: the first between April and May 2010 (n = 101) comprised patients undergoing conventional conducts (Phase 1) and the second from September to October 2010 (n = 171) formed by patients undergoing a new protocol of perioperative established by ACERTO (Phase 2). The variables examined were length of preoperative fasting, reintroduction of diet in the postoperative period, hydration volume and length of stay. RESULTS: When comparing the two periods, in Phase 2 there was a decrease of approximately 50% in the time of preoperative fasting (14.7 [4-48] hours vs 7.2 [1-48] hours, p <0.001 ), a reduction of approximately 35% of the volume of intravenous fluids in the immediate postoperative period (p <0.001), 47% in the first postoperative day (p <0.001) and 28% at second PO (p = 0.04), with an overall reduction of 23% (p <0.001). There was no difference in length of postoperative hospital stay between the two phases (3.9 [0-51] vs. 3.2 [0-15] days, p = 0,52). However, in patients whose time of preoperative fasting was up to 5 hours, hospitalization time decreased by one day (3.8 [0-51] vs 2.5 [0-15] days, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The adoption of ACERTO measures is feasible and safe in cancer patients. After implementation of the ACERTO protocol, there was reduction of intravenous fluids volume and, when the preoperative fasting was reduced, hospitalization time was shorter.

Shrinking preoperative fast time with maltodextrin and protein hydrolysate in gastrointestinal resections due to cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Prolonged preoperative fasting increases postoperative hospital length of stay and current evidence recommends patients drink a carbohydrate-based liquid drink 2 h before surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition of hydrolyzed protein to a carbohydrate-based drink would reduce both the inflammatory response and hospital length of stay. METHODS: We evaluated 22 patients of both sexes, undergoing gastrointestinal resection due to cancer. Patients were randomized into two groups: control group (n = 12; 6-8 h fast) and the intervention group (n = 10; fasted to solids for 6 h; and given a beverage containing 11% pea protein hydrolysate and 89% carbohydrates (79% maltodextrin and 21% sucrose), 400 mL the night before and 200 mL 3 h before surgery. Blood samples were collected the morning before surgery and on postoperative day 2. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 4.5% (one case, control group). The duration of postoperative hospital stay was twofold longer in the control group (P = 0.04). A significant increase of serum C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was observed in controls compared with the intervention group (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The abbreviation of preoperative fasting time to 3 h using a solution containing carbohydrates and hydrolyzed pea proteins reduces the acute-phase inflammatory response and decreases the postoperative length of stay in patients undergoing major surgery for a malignancy.

Evaluation of the effects of a preoperative 2-hour fast with maltodextrine and glutamine on insulin resistance, acute-phase response, nitrogen balance, and serum glutathione after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a controlled randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged preoperative fasting increases insulin resistance (IR). The authors investigated whether an abbreviated preoperative fast with glutamine (GLN) plus a carbohydrate (CHO)-based beverage would improve the organic response after surgery. METHODS: Forty-eight female patients (19-62 years) were randomized to either standard fasting (control group) or to fasting with 1 of 3 different beverages before video-cholecystectomy. Beverages were consumed 8 hours (400 mL; placebo group: water; GLN group: water with 50 g maltodextrine plus 40 g GLN; and CHO group: water with 50 g maltodextrine) and 2 hours (200 mL; placebo: water; GLN: water with 25 g maltodextrine plus 10 g GLN; and CHO: water with 25 g maltodextrine) before anesthesia. Blood samples were collected pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean (SEM) postoperative homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance was greater (P < .05) in control patients (4.3 [1.3]) than in the other groups (placebo, 1.6 [0.3]; CHO, 2.3 [0.4]; and GLN, 1.5 [0.1]). Glutathione was significantly higher (P < .01) in the GLN group than in both CHO and control groups. Interleukin-6 increased in all groups except the GLN group. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was higher (P < .05) in controls than in CHO and GLN groups. The nitrogen balance was less negative in GLN (-2.5 [0.8] gN) than in both placebo (-9.0 [2] gN; P = .001) and control (-6.6 [0.4] gN; P = .04) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative intake of a GLN-enriched CHO beverage appears to improve IR and antioxidant defenses and decreases the inflammatory response after video-cholecystectomy.

Surgical management and outcome in acute ischemic colitis.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic colitis is the most common form of gastrointestinal ischemia. Patients usually present with abdominal discomfort and bloody diarrhea. Treatment is contingent on the severity of disease. Mucosal/nongangrenous ischemia requires only supportive measures and medical management, whereas transmural/gangrenous ischemia may require prompt surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to review the surgical management of ischemic colitis in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients with ischemic colitis managed from 1995 to 2000 at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were identified. Ten of these had disease significant enough to require surgery (21%) and are the basis of this review. Eight were women, and the mean age was 71.4 years (range 43-85 years). Distribution of the disease was the right colon in 4 cases, pancolitis in 3, sigmoid in 2, and the left colon in 1. Nine patients underwent bowel resection: primary anastomosis in 3 and creation of a stoma in the other 6 (5 ileostomies and 1 transverse colostomy). Follow-up ranged from 3 days to 13.8 years. One patient died perioperatively. CONCLUSION: Surgical management produced good results.

Impact of the ACERTO project in the postoperative morbi-mortality in a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative outcomes of patients in the Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Julio Muller, before and after implementation of the ACERTO multimodal protocol. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study from 5974 patients' charts. We compared two periods: from January 2002 to December 2004 (before implementation of the ACERTO protocol: AA period, n = 1987) and January 2005 to December 2008 (after implementation of the protocol: DA period, n = 3987). The variables studied were length of hospital stay, blood transfusions, surgical site infections (SSI), postoperative complications and deaths. RESULTS: There was a decrease in one day in length of stay between the AA and DA period (median [range]: 4 [0-137] vs 3. [0-126] days and mode: 3 vs. 2 days, p < 0.001). During AA there was a relationship of 2.53 packs of blood products transfused per patient against 0.77 in the DA period (p <0.001). A downward trend in the number of cases of SSI was noticeable over the years (A =-153.08; AA: 7.51% vs. DA: 3.36% (p <0.001, RR = 2.23, 95 % CI:1.73-2.89). There was also a decreasing trend in operative complications (A =- 51.41, AA: 7.9% vs. DA: 6.14%, p = 0.02, RR = 1.29, 95% CI:1.03-1.60), reoperation (A =- 57.10; AA: 2.65%. vs DA: 1.19%, p <0.001, RR = 2, 22, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.44) and deaths (A =- 62.07, 2.81 vs. 1%, 73%, p <0.01, RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.31). CONCLUSION: The introduction of the ACERTO protocol improved the surgical results, expressed as a shorter hospital stay, blood transfusion, and reduction in cases of surgical site infection, postoperative complications and deaths.

Early enteral nutrition with whey protein or casein in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke: a double-blind randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an early enteral formula containing whey protein, in comparison to a standard enteral formula containing casein as the protein source, on the levels of glutathione and inflammatory markers in aged patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Thirty-one elderly patients (12 males and 19 females; median age = 74 [range,65-90] y old) with ischemic stroke were randomized to receive early nasogastric feeding (35 kcal/kg/d and 1.2 g of protein/kg/d) with either a formula containing polymeric [corrected] casein (casein group, n =16) or another isocaloric and isonitrogenous formula containing hydrolyzed whey protein (WP group, n = 15) for 5 d. The primary endpoints of the study were the changes in the serum levels of glutathione peroxidase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients completed the study (10 in the WP group and 15 in the casein group). Mortality was similar between groups (33%; P = 1.00) and was associated with higher serum IL-6 (73.7 ± 24.7 versus 16.6 ± 2.4 pg/dL; P = 0.04) and CRP (82.0 ± 35.6 versus 48.3 ± 14.5 mg/L; P = 0.02) levels. Albumin levels dropped from the first to the fifth feeding day only in the casein group (P < 0.01). Serum IL-6 decreased (62.7 ± 47.2 to 20.6 ± 10.3 pg/dL; P = 0.02) and glutathione increased (32.2 ± 2.1 to 39.9 ± 6.8 U/G Hb; P = 0.03) only in the WP group. Serum IL-6 was lower (P = 0.03) and glutathione was higher (P = 0.03) in whey protein-fed patients than in the casein group. CONCLUSION: Enteral formula containing whey protein may decrease inflammation and increase antioxidant defenses in elderly patients with ischemic stroke, compared to casein-containing formula.