Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Load Versus Placebo in Major Elective Abdominal Surgery (PROCY)

One of the more contentious issues in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs is the role of preoperative carbohydrate loading.  This randomized trial demonstrated less need for insulin for treating serum glucose >180 mg/dl in the carbohydrate-loading group compared to the placebo group (2.4% versus 16.0%; RR 0.15; p<0.001) with no change in the frequency of postoperative infection.