Red Bull Energy Drink Intake After Autologous Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

Overview

The success rate of autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction depends on adequate intraoperative and postoperative flap perfusion. Perfusion is optimized intraoperatively by a full hyperdynamic circulation and maintenance of a normal body temperature. Additional safe and simple postoperative measures to guarantee adequate perfusion pressure would be desirable. Recently, the effect of Red Bull® Energy Drink on cardiovascular and renal function, pain tolerance as well as performance has been studied in clinical trials involving healthy volunteers and athletes. Notably, an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, improved endothelial function and reduced pain perception have been observed. A better understanding of its effects in patients undergoing autologous microsurgical breast surgery would be of great value. When ingested in standard amounts, Red Bull® Energy Drink has been shown to be a safe beverage without notable side effects. The investigators prospectively study the effect of postoperative oral ingestion of Red Bull® Energy Drink on perfusion-related variables and patient recovery after autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction.

All consecutive female patients receiving unilateral autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction starting from quarter I 2020 will be administered a total of either 750 ml Red Bull® Energy Drink (intervention group) or 750 ml still water (control group). The first dose of 250 ml Red Bull® Energy Drink or still water will be given 2-3 hours postoperatively. The following doses will be given on postoperative day 1 for breakfast (250 ml) and for lunch (250 ml). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as pulse will be measured non-invasively using a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor at regular intervals during the first postoperative 24 hours. Total fluid administered intraoperatively and postoperatively as well as intraoperative and postoperative administration of vasoactive drugs will be recorded. Daily urinary output will be measured during 24 hours after surgery. Pain levels will be measured on Numeric Rating Scale with values ranging from 0 to 10. Rate of operative re-explorations, flap loss and total length of primary hospital stay will be recorded. Wound healing and scarring will be assessed 1 month after surgery in our clinic and documented photographically. The variables obtained from the intervention group receiving Red Bull® Energy Drink postoperatively will be compared with the corresponding variables of patients in the control group receiving the same amount of still water.