A preoperative whey protein and glucose drink before hip fracture surgery in the aged improves symptomatic and metabolic recovery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of a carbohydrate-whey protein solution on aged patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Forty patients were randomly assigned to the carbohydrate-whey protein (CHP) group or the control group (CTL). In the CHP group, a mixed solution of CHP was orally administered to patients before surgery: 400 mL was administered on the day before surgery, and 200 mL was administered 3 h before surgery. The size of the liquid dark area in the gastric antrum was measured by ultrasound, and the bleeding volume during surgery was assayed. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, thirst, hunger, and days of hospitalization and the levels of blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum albumin were assessed. RESULTS There was no obvious liquid dark space in the gastric antrum. CHP administration improved postoperative thirst and hunger and resulted in increased albumin levels and decreased CRP concentrations and blood glucose fluctuations. CONCLUSIONS Oral CHP before hip fracture surgery reduces the incidence of postoperative thirst and hunger and improves recovery in the aged.