Abstract
IntroductionAdults and children are required to fast before anaesthesia to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. However, prolonged periods of fasting are unnecessary and may cause complications. This study was conducted to evaluate preoperative fasting period in our centre and compare it with the ASA recommendations and factors that influence fasting periods.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of preoperative fasting times among elective surgical patients. A total numbers of 260 patients were interviewed as they arrived at the reception area of operating theatre using questionnaire.ResultsMajority of patients (98.1%) were instructed to fast from midnight. Fifteen patients (5.8%) reported that they were told the importance of preoperative fasting. The mean fasting period were 15.9±2.5 h (range 12.0-25.3 h) for solids and 15.3±2.3 h (range 12.0-22.0 h) for liquids. The mean duration of fasting was significantly longer for patients operated after midday compared to those operated before midday, p<0.001.ConclusionThe mean fasting periods were 7.65 times longer for clear liquid and 2.5 times for solids than the ASA guidelines. It is imperative that the Hospital should establish Preoperative fasting policies and teach the staff who should ensure compliance with guidelines.
Highlights
Adults and children are required to fast before anaesthesia to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents
This study showed that the vast majority of patients (98.1%) were given the traditional nil per oral (NPO) after midnight instructions for both liquids and solids, whether they are listed for early or late procedure
This study found preoperative fasting times longer than the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommendation
Summary
Adults and children are required to fast before anaesthesia to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. Conclusion: The mean fasting periods were 7.65 times longer for clear liquid and 2.5 times for solids than the ASA guidelines. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) defined preoperative fasting as a prescribed period of time before a procedure when patients are not allowed the oral intake of liquids or solids [1]. Both adult and children are required to fast before anaesthesia with the goal of reducing the volume and acidity of the stomach content so as to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents during the procedure. Studies have shown that paediatric patients aged 6 months to 6 years after prolonged preoperative fasting for 10-16 hours are more prone to hypotension during general anaesthesia [8,9,10,11]
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