Peri-operative fasting in adults: an international, multidisciplinary consensus statement

Introduction: Evidence suggests that existing pre-operative fasting guidelines are associated with prolonged fasting times. Prolonged fasting, particularly from clear liquids, has the potential to harm patients through reduced peri-operative wellbeing; impaired glucose metabolism and peri-operative inflammatory response; delayed return of bowel function; and reduced muscle strength. Liberalisation of fasting practices has, therefore, become increasingly common. Such a change in practice dictates the need for updated practice guidance. We aimed to develop recommendations on peri-operative fasting that reflect increasing global awareness of the adverse effects of prolonged fasting. Methods: Following a systematic literature review, 13 draft recommendations related to peri-operative fasting were developed iteratively. These were modified during a three-round Delphi process by an international, multidisciplinary stakeholder panel, which included: patients; anaesthetists; surgeons; physicians; nurses; and members of relevant international organisations from five continents. Results: Sixty-eight stakeholders participated in the Delphi consensus process. The panel subsequently agreed on eight recommendations. We recommend continuing current practices on pre-operative fasting for solid food and non-clear liquids. We recommend encouraging clear liquids until 2 h before the start of anaesthesia or sedation, unless institutional protocols allow for more liberal liquid intake. We further recommend implementation of institutional protocols that allow more liberal clear liquid intake < 2 h before the start of anaesthesia or sedation. Salivation stimulants can be used until transfer for the procedure. Oral intake should be resumed as soon as clinically feasible. Preprocedural gastric ultrasound performed by a trained provider may be used to guide clinical decisions when additional information is required. Discussion: This international, multidisciplinary consensus statement aims to improve the quality of patient care by minimising periprocedural fasting times, within safe margins. To achieve this, liberalised pre-operative clear liquid intake regimens may be implemented with institutional protocols.