Elderly patients with hip fractures are often malnourished and in a catabolic state upon admission to hospital. Waiting time for surgery is commonly unpredictable, and often more than 24 hours. Due to an assumed stress-induced delayed gastric emptying time with a possible associated risk of aspiration, fasting guidelines are the same as for other trauma patients. This leads to prolonged fasting time in these patients who are often metabolically compromised, with negative effects on post-operative recovery and prolonged hospital stay. The aim of this study was to investigate if 400 ml of a carbohydrate-rich beverage could be given to patients with a hip fracture 2–3 hours before surgery without carrying a risk of pulmonary aspiration. The gastric emptying rate of 400 ml 12.6 % carbohydrate rich drink was investigated in ten elderly women with a hip fracture awaiting surgery. The emptying rate was assessed by an indirect method, the paracetamol absorption technique. Results were compared with two control groups of healthy persons.Background
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