An Evaluation of a Liberal Hydration Regimen Before Elective Caesarean Section Using Beside Gastric Ultrasound

An Evaluation of a Liberal Hydration Regimen Before Elective Caesarean Section Using

The aim of this study is to compare the residual gastric volumes in non-labouring parturients prior to elective Caesarean delivery when fully fasted as per European Society of Anaesthesia pre-operative fasting guidelines against the 'Sip Til Send' fasting guideline via a paired cohort study. The primary hypothesis is that 'Sip Til Send' would be non-inferior to standard fasting at minimising the residual gastric volume prior to surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• planned caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia
• adhered to national fasting guidance of 6 hrs for food and 2 hours for clear fluids

Exclusion Criteria:

• age less than 18
• inability to understand English