[Postoperative infusion therapy: electrolyte solution in comparison with hypocaloric glucose and carbohydrate exchange-amino acid solutions].

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of early postoperative hypocaloric nutrition with glucose or xylitol/sorbitol- amino acid solutions versus saline alone. Influence on substrate, especially protein metabolism.

METHODS

Prospective randomized study.

METHODS

Intensive care unit of an university hospital.

METHODS

44 patients in three groups after major surgery with necessity of intensive care.

RESULTS

Hypocaloric infusions were well tolerated immediately after operation and positively influenced functional proteins and N-balance. During saline infusion protein parameters deteriorated significantly already after 24 to 36 hours. Glucose was not inferior to the xylitol/sorbitol solution and both resulted in a stable metabolic state during four days.

CONCLUSIONS

After major trauma or surgery hypocaloric nutrition should be started within 24 hours and can be given already directly after the operation period without metabolic deterioration.