Benefits of Drinking Clear Fluids Until Called to the Operating Room in Adult Surgical Patients

A Pilot Study to Test Benefits of Drinking Clear Fluids Until Called to the Operating Room in Adult Surgical Patients

The purpose of this study is to show if - compared to standard practice - allowing adults undergoing surgical procedures under anaesthesia care to drink clear fluids up to a volume of 200 ml between 2 h prior to the operation and the call to operation room (approximately 30 min prior to anaesthesia induction) will decrease patient thirst and increase patient satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients (≥ 18 years)
2. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III
3. Undergoing surgical procedure under anaesthesia care: general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, combined anaesthesia or monitored anaesthesia care.

The proportion of Patients undergoing general or combined anaesthesia is aimed to exceed 75%

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Absolute indication for rapid sequence induction including but not limited to:

   1. Bowel obstruction including ileus
   2. Stricture and oesophageal disorders including achalasia
   3. Recent polytrauma or trauma of the upper gastrointestinal tract
   4. Acute abdomen/peritonitis including active gastrointestinal bleeding

2. Relative indication for (modified) rapid sequence induction includes, but is not limited to:

   1. Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, independent of food intake and persistent under medical treatment (PPI)
   2. Hiatus hernia or upside down stomach
   3. Upper gastrointestinal tumour
   4. History of upper gastrointestinal surgery (oesophageal, gastric, duodenum, pancreatic)
   5. Medically confirmed gastroparesis
   6. Severe obesity, defined as body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2

3. Dysphagia

4. Renal replacement therapy

5. Fluid restriction therapy

6. Pregnancy

7. Expected need for postoperative mechanical ventilation