Perioperative fasting: A review

Abstract

Preprocedural/preoperative fasting is a key part of preparing a patient for undergoing sedation or anaesthesia to minimise the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. As part of caring for elective surgical patients it is important that healthcare staff in the perioperative environment have a good understanding of both the current guidelines and underpinning evidence so that they can effectively manage preoperative patients. This article looks to summarise the latest guidelines regarding perioperative fasting for adult and paediatric patients, the underlying evidence behind these guidelines and finally review current literature which will inform future practice. This article therefore looks to reinforce best practice, to ensure that the safety and comfort of patients in the perioperative period is optimised.

Keywords: Anaesthesia; Elective surgery; Fasting; Patient optimisation; Perioperative preparation; Pulmonary aspiration.