# Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading in Pediatric Surgery: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence

## TL;DR

This review explores the benefits and safety of giving carbohydrates before surgery to children, showing improved recovery and glucose control.

## Contribution

The study provides a scoping review of current evidence on preoperative carbohydrate loading in pediatric surgery.

## Key findings

- Most studies showed PCL improved metabolic outcomes and reduced recovery time.
- PCL may stabilize blood glucose and reduce anxiety in pediatric patients.
- Outcomes like hospital stay and complications varied across studies.

## Abstract

Preoperative carbohydrate loading (PCL), part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, involves giving carbohydrate-rich liquids before surgery instead of traditional fasting. It improves glucose control, reduces insulin resistance, and enhances patient comfort.

This scoping review aims to assess the current evidence on the effects and safety of PCL in pediatric surgery. A multi-database search strategy would be used, with eligibility criteria including recent original English articles on pediatric PCL. Data extraction would focus on PCL type, sample sizes, and perioperative outcomes.

The scoping review examined 10 studies on PCL in pediatric surgery, covering various procedures with sample sizes ranging from 18 to 1200 participants. Most studies showed that PCL improved metabolic outcome and reduced postoperative recovery time. However, outcomes like hospital stay length and postoperative complications, such as nausea and vomiting, varied.

PCL in pediatric surgery may stabilize blood glucose, reduce metabolic risks, and enhance recovery, including anxiety reduction.