title: Preoperative carbohydrate loading in the enhanced recovery pathway.
abstract: The enhanced recovery pathway is an evidence-based surgical care pathway that includes preoperative, perioperative and postoperative care and results in fewer complications and a shorter length of stay in hospital. There are a variety of elements associated with this pathway and one is the use of a preoperative carbohydrate-loading drink. The consumption of this drink, which is specifically designed to be safely consumed a few hours before surgery, is discussed with a review of the literature on the topic.
authors.affiliation: Enhanced Recovery Nurse, St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, London.
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burch
mesh_terms: D019091:Critical Pathways; D000070601:Diet, Carbohydrate Loading / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative
keywords: Diabetes; Fast track; Insulin resistance; Nutrition; Surgery