Elective surgery has until recently been performed in the overnight fasted state in order to
reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric content during the induction of anaesthesia. However …

Fasting overnight has been the routine before elective surgery for the past century. Fasting
guidelines in many countries have recently been modernized and it is now recommended …

Despite the abundance of evidence to the contrary, 6–8 hours of total preoperative fasting is
still considered essential by many surgeons and anesthesiologists, based on the strength of …

Data that have only recently become available show that preoperative administration of
carbohydrate to patients undergoing elective surgery has metabolic benefits postoperatively …

This chapter is complementary to the others in this volume focusing on preoperative fasting
routines. In it we discuss some of the issues in need of more research to define best practice …

OBJECTIVE: Despite contrary evidence, the practice of overnight fasting before elective
surgery maintains its place in tradition. However, prolonged starvation, by its catabolic …

Preoperative fasting is a routine that aims to secure an empty stomach by the time of
induction of anesthesia in order to reduce the risk of regurgitation of acid gastric content that …

The concept of preoperative overnight fasting was challenged and proved to have no
benefits over allowing patients to drink clear fluids up until 2h before surgery. This led to …

2 O. LJUNGQVIST 5 mg/kg/min sufficient glucose is given to stimulate insulin release to
levels that simulate those seen after a meal. Although this is plausible, it has some …

INTRODUCTION Surgical stress in the presence of fasting worsens the catabolic state,
causes insulin resistance and may delay recovery. Carbohydrate rich drinks given …