Abstract

Preoperative fasting is used before elective surgery in order to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric contents into the airways, as well as the risk of aspiration pneumonia or chemical pneumonitis. It is essential not to consume solid food and beverages for a long time so that the risk of aspiration can be minimal but, at the same time, quite short to avoid discomfort for patients and dehydration. Recommendations for preoperative fasting in elective surgery are the following:

1. Adult patients should be encouraged to drink clear fluids up 1-2 hours before anaesthesia induction. Clear liquids include water, juices without pulp, coffee or tea without milk, and carbohydrate drinks.

2.  Consumption of solid food and all other fluids except for clear fluids should be stopped 6 hours before induction of anaesthesia.

3.  Paediatric patients of any age should be encouraged to drink clear fluids up to 1 hour before anaesthesia induction.

4.  Consumption of breast milk should be stopped 4 hours before induction of anaesthesia.

5. Consumption of solid food and and all other fluids except for clear fluids, including non-human milk or infant formula, should be stopped 6 hours before induction of anaesthesia.