Effect of High Dose Insulin on Infectious Complications Following Major Surgery

Patients will receive an IV infusion of 2 mU/kg/min (0.12 U/kg/hour) starting in the operating room. Dextrose 20% will be titrated to maintain blood glucose between 4 and 6 mmol/l. At the end of surgery, the insulin infusion will be stopped and the dextrose infusion weaned off in the postanesthesia care unit.

Blood glucose levels will be treated by a standard insulin sliding scale.