Tehran University of Medical Sciences Archives of Anesthesiology and Critical Care 2423-5849 0 0 2026 05 02 1495 1495 EN Jason Affendy Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia. Achsanuddin Hanafie Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia. Ester Silaen Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia. 2025 11 21 2025 12 01 Background: Prolonged preoperative fasting is commonly practiced to prevent aspiration during anesthesia; however, it has been shown to increase insulin resistance, trigger metabolic stress, and delay postoperative recovery. These physiological responses contribute to metabolic imbalance and elevated blood glucose levels after surgery. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol recommends preoperative administration of complex carbohydrates, such as maltodextrin, to attenuate surgical stress, maintain metabolic stability, and promote faster recovery. Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate with a controlled glycemic index, is easily absorbed, and is safe for preoperative use. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maltodextrin (Maltodex®) administration on blood glucose levels and the well-being index in patients undergoing laparotomy under general anesthesia. Methods: This research was a randomized controlled trial with a double-blind design involving elective laparotomy patients at CPL USU Hospital, Dr. Pirngadi Medan Hospital, and Haji Hospital. Subjects were divided into two groups: the intervention group received 400 ml of 12.5% maltodextrin solution two hours before surgery, while the control group received a placebo. Blood glucose levels were measured at six time points (T0–T5) throughout the perioperative period using a standard glucometer, while patients’ psychological well-being was assessed using the WHO5 Well-being Index, a validated tool for evaluating postoperative quality of life. Results: There were significant differences between the maltodextrin and placebo groups in both blood glucose levels (p<0.05) and postoperative well-being scores (p<0.05). The administration of maltodextrin effectively stabilized blood glucose levels, reduced surgical stress responses, and improved patient comfort and satisfaction during the postoperative period. Conclusion: Preoperative administration of maltodextrin is effective in maintaining metabolic stability, reducing physiological stress responses, and enhancing the well-being of patients undergoing laparotomy under general anesthesia. These findings support the implementation of the ERAS protocol as an evidence-based approach to accelerate recovery and improve the quality of perioperative care. https://aacc.tums.ac.ir/index.php/aacc/article/view/1495