Preoperative carbohydrate loading in the enhanced recovery pathway.

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.