A systematic review and meta-analysis of preoperative carbohydrate drink loading prior to elective hip and knee arthroplasty.

Background: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program has significantly reduced complication rates and hospital length of stay (LOS) for various surgical procedures. A key aspect is the reduction of pre-operative fasting through carbohydrate-loading protocols. There is limited research on the effects of pre-operative carbohydrate loading in elective lower limb arthroplasty.