Using carbohydrate drinks before scoliosis surgery to improve recovery

A Pilot Study on Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: the Impact on Safety and Enhanced Recovery

NA · University of Malaya · NCT06680297

This study is testing if drinking carbohydrate drinks before scoliosis surgery can help teenagers recover faster and feel better after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 19 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Malaya (other)
Locations2 sites (Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06680297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to evaluate the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading on adolescents undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. It investigates whether carbohydrate drinks can enhance gastrointestinal recovery, reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, and shorten hospital stays. The study will measure outcomes such as the return of bowel function, anxiety levels, and gastric residual volume using ultrasound. By addressing the gaps in current knowledge regarding nutritional interventions in this patient population, the study seeks to provide evidence that could influence clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 10 to 19 diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis who are scheduled for single-staged posterior spinal fusion.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, significant intellectual disabilities, or those classified as ASA class 3 and above may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications for adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While preoperative carbohydrate loading has been recommended in surgical guidelines, this specific application in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing single-staged posterior spinal fusion
* Age between 10 to 19 years old
* ASA 1 \& 2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (either type I or type II)
* Patient with intellectual disability
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 and above
* Significant risk of aspiration (diagnosed with hiatal hernia, presence of GERD, BMI \> 35 kg/m2 , poor GCS, swallowing abnormality, gastrointestinal abnormality)

Where this trial is running

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.