Preoperative fasting in higher risk adults
Higher risk denotes higher risk of regurgitation and aspiration; patients include those with obesity, gastro-oesophageal reflux and diabetes.
General recommendations
- Higher risk patients should follow the same preoperative fasting regime as healthy adults, unless contra-indicated. In addition, the anaesthetic team should consider further interventions, as appropriate to the overall clinical situation. [D]
- Adults undergoing emergency surgery should be treated as if they have a full stomach. If possible, the patient should follow normal fasting guidance to allow gastric emptying. [D]
For further information on the D grade classification see the Grading scheme.