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'Enhanced recovery after surgery' protocols implement a series of peri-operative interventions intended to improve recovery after major operations, one aspect of which is fluid management. The pre-operative goal is to prepare a hydrated, euvolaemic patient by avoiding routine mechanical bowel preparation and by encouraging patients to drink clear liquids up to two hours before induction of anaesthesia. The intra-operative goal is to achieve a 'zero' fluid balance at the end of uncomplicated surgery: goal-directed fluid therapy is recommended for poorly prepared or sick patients or those undergoing more complex surgery...