Determination of a Safe Time and Safe Protocol for Oral Hydration in Pediatric Patients Following General Anesthesia

Background: The study was aimed to evaluate the safe time and safe protocol for postoperative resumption of oral hydration in pediatric patients undergoing elective nonabdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Methodology: One hundred and sixty patients (of age 6 months to 12 years) were assigned into two groups. The assessment of level of consciousness, protection of the airway (coughing and swallowing), absence of nausea and vomiting, and normal saturation were used as the safety criteria for start of postoperative oral hydration in both groups. Clear fluids in dose of 0.5–1 ml/kg were offered to them after completing 4th and 1st h of recovery in standard and experimental group, respectively. Next hour onward clear fluids was given as per the need of patients. Safety profile, safety protocol, and parental/patient satisfaction with early and delayed oral hydration were recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 20:0 and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistical insignificant difference was found with age, sex, weight, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists status, duration of surgery, type of surgery, type of anesthesia, fasting time, time from last intake of liquid and solid preoperatively in both the groups. None of the patients enrolled in the study experienced desaturation, moderate sedation, regurgitation, or pulmonary aspiration of gastric content. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 7.5% and 3.75% in the standard and experimental group, respectively. Mean total volume of oral hydrating solution was 140.82 ml and 123.56 ml in standard and experimental group, respectively. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was observed in parental/pediatric patient satisfaction score among two groups. Significantly shorter time to oral hydration in experimental group (71.44 min) than standard group (244.44 min) was as expected. Conclusion: Early postoperative oral hydration with clear liquid is safe and highly satisfying for parents and patients following elective nonabdominal surgery.