[International multidisciplinary consensus statement on perioperative fasting in adults]

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Care
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Growing awareness of negative effects of prolonged preoperative fasting.
• Need for evidence-based recommendations on perioperative fasting, especially clear liquids.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop evidence-based recommendations for perioperative fasting.
• Address prolonged fasting's impact on surgical patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search with GRADE methodology.
• 3-stage Delphi process with 68 international multidisciplinary experts and non-experts.
• Inclusion of anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, physicians, and patient representatives.

Main Results:

• 8 consensus-based recommendations for perioperative fasting in adults.
• Support for current fasting for solids (6h, or 8h for fatty meals) and non-clear liquids (6h).
• Shift towards liberal clear liquid regimens, allowing intake until 2h pre-anesthesia via institutional protocols.

Conclusions:

• Recommendations provide a reliable basis for improving patient care by minimizing fasting times.
• International consensus supports liberal clear liquid intake preoperatively.
• Implementation of institutional protocols is key for safe reduction of fasting times.