The administration of an oral carbohydrate-containing fluid prior to major elective upper-gastrointestinal surgery preserves skeletal muscle mass postoperatively-a randomised clinical trial

Conclusion: Preoperative consumption of carbohydrate-containing fluids is safe. Provision of a carbohydrate energy source prior to surgery may attenuate depletion of muscle mass after surgery. Further studies are required to determine if this preservation of muscle mass is reflected in improved function and reduced rehabilitation time.