An exploration of pre-operative fasting practices in adult patients having elective surgery

Background: Patients fast routinely before elective surgery in order to reduce gastric volume and acidity. The standard fasting time is 'nil by mouth' from midnight before surgery. In recent years, new guidelines have recommended that patients remain nil by mouth from clear fluids for 2 hours and from solids for 6 hours. This literature review explored preoperative fasting practices in adult patients from an international perspective. Methods: A literature search was undertaken of databases, including CINAHL Plus, PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct, Sage Journals and Embase. Results: Anaesthetists were found to possess greater knowledge of reduced preoperative fasting than other health professionals including nurses. Conclusion: Actual fasting time was found to be relatively longer than prescribed fasting times.