Preoperative fasting

Article Abstract:

Preoperative fasting is a legal requirement in the UK due to the risk of vomiting, and aspiration of vomit, associated with general anaesthesia. However, preoperative fasting practices are not uniform, and the majority of patients fast for longer than is necessary. Excessive fasting is unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous. Only 40 of the 600 deaths associated with anaesthesia in 1964 were due to vomiting and aspiration of stomach contents. The majority of deaths were due to hypovolaemia caused by loss of body fluids. Malnourishment also carries a risk of perioperative complications.

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What are the benefits and the pitfalls of preoperative fasting?

Article Abstract:

Preoperative fasting reduces the risk of aspiration while the patient is under general anaesthetic and eliminates the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting. A number of ethical and legal factors that surrounds preoperative fasting are taken into account.

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Preoperative fasting: is it time for a change?

Article Abstract:

A study looking into the reasons for making patients fast before they have an operation and the outcome of fasting over periods sometimes as long as 20 hours prior to an operation.

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