Clinical and sensory evaluation of an instant
carbohydrate beverage as a clear liquid in the
preoperative period: randomized controlled trial

Joice Carla Dorneles Zanin; Rosicler Colet; Marcieli Peruzzolo; Geciane Toniazzo Backes; Jamile Zeni; André Keng Wei Hsu

doi:10.1016/j.bjane.2026.844785

Original Investigation

Clinical and sensory evaluation of an instant carbohydrate beverage as a clear liquid in the preoperative period: randomized controlled trial

Avaliação clínica e sensorial de uma bebida instantânea de carboidrato como líquido claro no período pré-operatório: ensaio clínico randomizado

Joice Carla Dorneles Zanin, Rosicler Colet, Marcieli Peruzzolo, Geciane Toniazzo Backes, Jamile Zeni, André Keng Wei Hsu

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2026.844785 Braz J Anesthesiol, vol.76, n5, 844785, 2026

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Abstract

Objective

Preoperative carbohydrate-containing clear liquids are recommended to reduce discomfort associated with prolonged fasting, yet their implementation remains limited in many Brazilian hospitals. This study evaluated the sensory acceptance and clinical effects of an instant coffee-flavored carbohydrate beverage administered during the preoperative period.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted between March 2022 and December 2024 at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were allocated to a test group (200 mL carbohydrate beverage up to two hours before anesthesia induction) or a control group (conventional fasting of approximately 8 hours). Clinical assessments were performed approximately two hours before anesthesia induction. The primary outcome was satiety, assessed using a 0‒10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included thirst and anxiety. In the test group, palatability, satisfaction, and perceived anxiety control were also evaluated.

Results

The beverage demonstrated good sensory acceptance and was well tolerated. Compared with conventional fasting, participants who received the beverage reported significantly higher satiety scores and lower levels of thirst and anxiety. Among participants with higher baseline anxiety (≥ 7), exploratory descriptive findings suggested favorable perceived anxiety control following beverage intake. No adverse events were observed during the study period; however, the study was not powered to detect rare adverse events.

Conclusion

Administration of the beverage up to two hours before anesthesia was associated with reduced preoperative discomfort and high patient acceptance. Larger studies are needed to further evaluate clinical outcomes and safety.

Keywords

Anxiety; Carbohydrates; Coffee; Enhanced recovery after surgery; Fasting; Preoperative care

Resumo

Introdução

Líquidos claros contendo carboidratos no período pré-operatório são recomendados para reduzir o desconforto associado ao jejum prolongado, mas sua implementação prática ainda é limitada em muitos hospitais brasileiros. Este estudo avaliou a aceitação sensorial e os efeitos clínicos de uma bebida instantânea de carboidrato sabor café administrada durante o período pré-operatório.

Métodos

Um ensaio clínico randomizado foi conduzido entre março de 2022 e dezembro de 2024 em um hospital terciário no Brasil. Pacientes adultos agendados para cirurgia eletiva sob anestesia geral foram alocados em um grupo teste (200 mL de bebida de carboidrato até duas horas antes da indução anestésica) ou em um grupo controle (jejum convencional de aproximadamente 8 horas). As avaliações clínicas foram realizadas aproximadamente duas horas antes da indução da anestesia. O desfecho primário foi a saciedade, avaliada por meio de uma Escala de Avaliação Numérica (EAN) de 0 a 10. Os desfechos secundários incluíram sede e ansiedade. No grupo teste, a palatabilidade, a satisfação e o controle percebido da ansiedade também foram avaliados.

Resultados

A bebida demonstrou boa aceitação sensorial e foi bem tolerada. Em comparação com o jejum convencional, os participantes que receberam a bebida relataram escores de saciedade significativamente maiores e níveis mais baixos de sede e ansiedade. Entre os participantes com maior ansiedade basal (≥ 7), achados descritivos exploratórios sugeriram um controle favorável da ansiedade percebida após a ingestão da bebida. Não foram observados eventos adversos durante o período do estudo; no entanto, o estudo não apresentou poder estatístico para detectar eventos adversos raros.

Conclusão

A administração da bebida até duas horas antes da anestesia foi associada à redução do desconforto pré-operatório e à alta aceitação pelos pacientes. Estudos maiores são necessários para avaliar detalhadamente os desfechos clínicos e a segurança.

Palavras-chave

Ansiedade; Carboidratos; Café; Recuperação otimizada após cirurgia; Jejum; Cuidados pré-operatórios

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Submitted date:
10/03/2025

Accepted date:
06/18/2026