title: Preoperative fasting times in elective surgical patients at a referral Hospital in Botswana.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adults and children are required to fast before anaesthesia to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. However, prolonged periods of fasting are unnecessary and may cause complications. This study was conducted to evaluate preoperative fasting period in our centre and compare it with the ASA recommendations and factors that influence fasting periods.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a cross-sectional study of preoperative fasting times among elective surgical patients. A total numbers of 260 patients were interviewed as they arrived at the reception area of operating theatre using questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Majority of patients (98.1%) were instructed to fast from midnight. Fifteen patients (5.8%) reported that they were told the importance of preoperative fasting. The mean fasting period were 15.9±2.5 h (range 12.0-25.3 h) for solids and 15.3±2.3 h (range 12.0-22.0 h) for liquids. The mean duration of fasting was significantly longer for patients operated after midday compared to those operated before midday, p<0.001.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mean fasting periods were 7.65 times longer for clear liquid and 2.5 times for solids than the ASA guidelines. It is imperative that the Hospital should establish Preoperative fasting policies and teach the staff who should ensure compliance with guidelines.
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, University of Botswana, Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Worknehe Agegnehu
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Abebe
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, University of Botswana, Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Ambrose
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rukewe
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, University of Botswana, Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Negussie Alula
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Bekele
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, Department of Statistics, Botswana.
authors.forename: Moeng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stoffel
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, Department of Emergency Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Mompelegi Nicoh
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Dichabeng
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, Department of Surgery, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Jemal Zeberga
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Shifa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects; D001902:Botswana; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005215:Fasting / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Preoperative fasting; anaesthesia; elective surgical patient; fasting instructions