The patients are generally kept NBM two hours before anesthesia, but the volume of clear liquids that should be allowed before this deadline is still unclear. In a recent study of patients who drank ≥2 liters of bowel preparation solution before colonoscopy, no difference was observed in gastric residual volume or gastric pH between those who finished the solution as late as three hours prior to the procedure versus those who finished it the night before.
The results of this study support to allow patients to take clear liquids until two hours prior to anesthesia and are particularly relevant to enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, which may include ingestion of 300 to 400 mL of carbohydrate drinks up to two hours prior to surgery. Which pre-operative fasting recommendations do you follow in your practice?
