The Effect of Preoperative Fasting On Patient’s Blood Glucose, Dehydration, and Anxiety Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study

This research was conducted to determine the effects of preoperative fasting durations on blood glucose levels, dehydration, and anxiety in patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the General Surgery Clinic of a university hospital. The study included 92 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data collection forms such as the Sociodemographic Characteristics Questionnaire and the State Anxiety Inventory were administered in the preoperative period, while the Dehydration and Blood Glucose Monitoring Form and Visual Analog Scale were applied a total of three times: in the preoperative period, at the second hour postoperatively, and at the 8th hour postoperatively. Necessary permissions were obtained for the study. The patients’ mean solid and liquid fasting time was 16.65 (2.80) and 15.85 (2.95) hr. The prolongation of the preoperative mean solid fasting time showed a negative correlation with blood glucose levels and a positive correlation with some dehydration symptoms, skin turgor return time, and the nausea score. The prolongation of the preoperative mean liquid fasting time showed a positive correlation with prominence of lingual fissures, nausea scores, thirst scores, heart rate, skin turgor return time and heart rate. In addition, prolonged solid fasting time was associated with higher anxiety levels. Prolonged fasting before surgery negatively affected patients’ anxiety and blood glucose levels and led to dehydration symptoms. Prolonged fasting and fluid restriction before surgery had negative effects on patients’ anxiety and blood glucose levels, while also leading to the emergence of some dehydration symptoms.