[Nitrogen-saving effect of a 3% solution of amino acid infusion in the postoperative period]

Infusion of a 3% amino acid solution after moderate abdominal surgery for 4 - 6 days postoperatively results in a nitrogen-saving effect as compared with an infusion of carbohydrates or a combination of carbohydrates and amino acids. Patients who received only amino acids showed the lowest blood glucose levels, but a significant increase of ketone bodies and triglycerides in serum, which is an indication of lipolysis.