High calorie and protein clear fluid regime for pre-operative bowel preparation

The effect of a high calorie and protein clear fluid regime for pre-operative bowel preparation was assessed in 16 patients requiring aortic grafting for aneurysm or occlusive disease. Patients were randomized to receive either standard clear fluids or a special high calorie and protein clear fluid regime for 48 h pre-operatively. Nitrogen balance was calculated for the first 5 postoperative days. The group receiving the special high calorie and protein clear fluid regime had a consistent reduction in negative nitrogen balance on each day of the study with a mean daily negative nitrogen balance of 9.00 g compared to 12.33 g, this difference being highly significant (P = 0.004).