Shortened fasting feasible for children undergoing surgery

Shortened fasting feasible for children undergoing surgery

(HealthDay)—The incidence of pulmonary aspiration is low in children undergoing elective surgery, even when allowed free clear fluids until called to the operating suite, according to research published online May 4 in Pediatric Anesthesia.

Hanna Andersson, from the Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden, and colleagues retrospectively reviewed anesthesia charts, X-rays, and discharge notes in the system for elective pediatric procedures (January 2008 to December 2013). The authors sought to determine the incidence of perioperative pulmonary aspiration in patients allowed unlimited intake of clear fluids prior to . Radiological findings consistent with aspiration and/or postoperative symptoms of respiratory distress after vomiting during anesthesia were used to define pulmonary aspiration.

The researchers found that of the 10,015 pediatric anesthetics evaluated, aspiration occurred in three cases (0.03 percent). Cancellation of the surgical procedure, intensive care or ventilation support, nor deaths attributable to aspiration occurred. An additional 14 cases of pulmonary aspiration were suspected but not confirmed by radiology or continuing symptoms.

"Shortened fasting times may improve the perioperative experience for parents and children with a low risk of ," the authors write.

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Citation: Shortened fasting feasible for children undergoing surgery (2015, May 12) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-05-shortened-fasting-feasible-children-surgery.html
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