Preoperative Oral Hydration in the Ambulatory Arthroplasty Population: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether drinking a complex carbohydrate drink before surgery can reduce hospital stay length and improve same-day discharge rates for patients undergoing ambulatory total joint arthroplasty, including knee and hip replacements. This study aims to address issues like postoperative nausea, vomiting, and dizziness by optimizing preoperative hydration, which may influence recovery and discharge outcomes. The trial is a single-blinded randomized controlled study sponsored by the Hospital for Special Surgery. Participants are divided into two groups: one drinks a 400ml complex carbohydrate drink containing 50g of carbohydrates three hours before surgery in the preoperative holding area, while the other group follows standard preoperative fluid guidelines without the carbohydrate drink. Both groups must fast from solid foods after midnight on the day of surgery and may only consume clear liquids up to three hours before surgery. The study focuses on same-day discharge for ambulatory total knee and hip arthroplasty, including certain revision surgeries. During the study, participants will be monitored from admission through discharge for up to one week, tracking length of hospital stay, physical therapy sessions, walking distance, stair climbing, and episodes of orthostatic hypotension. Patient-reported outcome scores and urine tests are collected before surgery and up to four months post-operation. Costs related to the hospital stay will also be assessed. The study includes safety monitoring and aims to improve perioperative management in this surgical population.

Preoperative Oral Hydration in the Ambulatory Arthroplasty Population