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[The effect of fasting on the surgical skills of surgeons]

Ismail Gögenur1, Henrik Loft Jacobsen, Michael Achiam

  • 1Kirurgisk Gastroenterologisk Afdeling D, Herlev Hospital, DK-2730 Herlev. ig@dadlnet.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|January 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fasting did not impair surgical skills in a laparoscopic surgery training model. However, the practice was associated with an increase in foetor ex ore (bad breath).

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Education
  • Physiology
  • Medical Ethics

Context:

  • Concerns exist regarding the impact of religious or intermittent fasting on surgeon performance.
  • Laparoscopic surgery requires fine motor skills and cognitive function that could be affected by fasting.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the effect of daytime fasting on the surgical skills of a single surgeon.
  • To assess changes in foetor ex ore (oral malodor) during and after a fasting period.

Summary:

  • Surgical skills were evaluated using a validated laparoscopic surgery training model before, during, and after a fasting period.
  • No significant decline in surgical performance was observed.
  • A notable increase in foetor ex ore was recorded during the fasting period.

Impact:

  • Fasting for a single day does not appear to negatively impact laparoscopic surgical skills.
  • Fasting may lead to increased oral malodor, a factor to consider for patient interaction.

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