Flavoured ice popsicle (RESOURCE fruit beverage) for intestinal function recovery after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery (RePo trial) – A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery over the years has become the approach of choice for various pathologies. Despite having a lower complications rate compared to open, studies have shown significant complications rate among laparoscopic patients as well. Our study is to assess the intestinal function recovery (Time to pass flatus) among laparoscopic patients provided with Resource Ice Popsicle and standard clear fluid post operatively.
METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2022 till November 2023 at 2 centres, namely Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz. The time to pass flatus among elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery patients for each group (Popsicle and Clear fluid) as well as time to pass motion, post-operative length of stay and complications of surgery for the two groups were documented.
RESULTS: Total of 62 samples were recruited. It was found that the time to pass flatus, and post-operative length of stay were significantly shorter in the popsicle as compared to clear fluid group. Time to pass motion and complication rates between both groups showed no significant difference.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study showed no difference in occurrence of anastomotic leak or Resource related mortality. Easy availability and simple preparation with improved outcome, makes this a promising alternative among patients. This can be further extrapolated to other surgical units. A well- designed, large-scale, multi-centered RCT in the future is recommended.

Keywords: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery, popsicles, post-operative recovery