Preoperative fasting revisited.
Fasting patients prior to their surgical procedures is accepted practice. Although the latest research shows that it is safe for most patients to drink clear fluids 2-3 hours before a general anaesthetic many key staff are not aware of these findings. This article discusses preoperative fasting and describes an audit which culminated in a change in practice in a large district general hospital.
Bothamley
Janet
J
Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.
Mardell
Andy
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001628:Beverages; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D005215:Fasting; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008485:Medical Audit; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013997:Time Factors