[What is new in fasting guidelines of surgical patients? Review of the literature].
The concept of perioperative starvation requires an update on a more balanced physiological bias. The old British dictum "nil by mouth from midnight" is a thing of the past. We need to administer food and fluids as early as possible both before both before and after surgery and to avoid or reduce hospital infections. Resumption of bowel movements is very rapid, and the patients are fed and experience no thirst and thus have better compliance during their hospital stay. Moreover, the social cost is reduced. A short review of the rules of various Associations of Anaesthetists both in Europe and the US shows that today the starvation time is reduced, and re-feeding after surgery is implemented early. For clear fluids a 2-h period before surgery without ingestion of clear fluids is enough, whilst in most countries a 6-h period of starvation for solid foods is the rule, but if proper distinctions are made between the various nutrients given to the patients, this time could be reduced to 2-3 hours.
Mangiante
Gerardo
G
Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Gastronterologiche, Università degli Studi di Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134 Verona.
Carluccio
Simona
S
Nifosì
Filippo
F
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods