Gastric Content After 6 vs 4 Hours of Preoperative Fasting in Children

Gastric Content After 6 vs 4 Hours of Preoperative Fasting in Children on Enteral Nutrition. A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Gastric Ultrasound

The primary objective of the study is to compare the risk of increased stomach contents after tube feeding (Enteral feeding) 6 and 4 hours before anesthesia using antrum measured by ultrasound.

Children must fast for a certain period of time before anesthesia and surgery to reduce the risk of food residues being vomited up and ending up in the trachea (so-called aspiration). But there are disadvantages to fasting for a long time before an operation, for example the blood sugar level can drop and the body can become dehydrated. Small children risk such side effects to a greater degree than adults, and therefore international work is underway to revise the rules for fasting before surgery.

Enteral feeding children are a special risk group because they are usually completely dependent on tube feeding for nutrition and fluid intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

Child on intermittent or continuous enteral nutrition, scheduled for elective procedure requiring general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

Moderate to severe gastrointestinal motility disorder Emergency surgery Anatomical risk factor for pulmonary aspiration such as achalasia or bowel obstruction Parents cannot understand study information due to language barrier