Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
05:50

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Preoperative anxiety and volume and acidity of gastric fluid in children

S Kawana1, M Uzuki, Y Nakae

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Sapporo Medical University, School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|January 13, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Preoperative anxiety in children and parents did not significantly alter gastric fluid volume or acidity, suggesting it does not reduce aspiration pneumonia risk. This study examined anxiety levels and gastric parameters in young surgical patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Surgical Patient Management
  • Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

  • Preoperative anxiety is common in pediatric surgical patients.
  • Anxiety may influence physiological responses, including gastric function.
  • Gastric fluid volume and acidity are critical factors in aspiration risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between preoperative anxiety levels in children and their parents and the resulting gastric fluid characteristics.
  • To determine if anxiety influences gastric volume and pH, potentially impacting aspiration pneumonia risk.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 43 pediatric patients (3-6 years) undergoing minor surgery.
  • Assessed parental and child anxiety using visual analogue scales (VAS-N, VAS-M).
  • Measured gastric fluid volume and pH post-induction; analyzed correlation between anxiety groups (low vs. high) and gastric parameters.

Main Results:

  • The high-anxiety group exhibited significantly lower gastric fluid volume compared to the low-anxiety group.
  • No significant differences in gastric fluid pH were observed between the groups.
  • A significant correlation was found between parental and patient anxiety scores (VAS-N).

Conclusions:

  • Preoperative anxiety in children and parents did not appear to increase gastric fluid volume or acidity.
  • The findings suggest that anxiety levels, as measured, may not significantly modify the risk of aspiration pneumonia in this pediatric surgical population.

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...