Fasting in children for day case surgery.
Thirty-four children admitted for day case surgery were studied to determine the period of preoperative fasting and blood sugar concentrations at the time of induction of anaesthesia. Of these, 88% fasted for 12 h or more, 20% fasted for 16 h or more. Three were found to be hypoglycaemic. The introduction of routine 'mid-day' operating lists for paediatric day case surgery is suggested as a method of reducing the period of fasting and risk of hypoglycaemia.
O'Flynn
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PE
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, London.
Milford
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CA
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005215:Fasting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007223:Infant; D011300:Preoperative Care