Operative fasting guidelines and postoperative feeding in paediatric anaesthesia-current concepts

Abstract

Preoperative fasting period is the prescribed time prior to any procedure done either under general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia or sedation, when oral intake of liquids or solids are not allowed. This mandatory fasting is a safety precaution that helps to protect from pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents which may occur any time during anaesthesia. We searched PUBMED for English language articles using keywords including child, paediatric, anaesthesia, fasting, preoperative, gastric emptying. We also hand searched references from relevant review articles and major society guidelines. Association of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI), the French Language Society of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists and the European Society of Paediatric Anesthetists recommends clear fluid intake upto one hour prior to elective surgery unless specific contraindications exists. Current guidelines recommend fasting duration of 4 hours for breastmilk, 6 hours for milk and light meals and 8 hours for fatty meals. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guidelines recommend that oral intake can be initiated within hours of surgery in most patients. While fluids can be started almost immediately, the introduction of solids should be done more cautiously.