Pulmonary Aspiration in Elderly Patients

Comparison of the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration Assessed by Gastric Ultrasound in Elderly Patients in Fasting Group vs. Carbohydrate Loading Group

The aim of this study was to compare the risk of pulmonary aspiration assessed with gastric ultrasonography in elderly patients, undergoing elective surgery.

Recently, carbohydrate loading is suggested for enhanced recovery after surgery.

Aging process often accompanies gastrointestinal dysmotility. Therefore, elderly patients might have undiagnosed gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, because of their co-morbid underlying diseases and multi-drug effects, gastric emptying might be further delayed in the elderly patients.

This study was designated to compared the risk of pulmonary aspiration in elderly patients, with gastric ultrasound between fasting group and carbohydrate loading group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged from 65
• scheduled for elective surgery
• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed for diseases that might delay gastric emptying (obesity, diabetes, hiatal hernia, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, ileus)
• psychiatric or mental disorders
• delirium
• dementia
• parkinsonism
• alcoholism
• drug abuse