Effect of NPO Status on Aspiration Risk in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Procedural Sedation
Faculty Advisor Name
Dr. Kancler
Description
American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) recommends that patients complete preoperative fasting prior to surgeries requiring sedation. Preoperative fasting, also known as nil per os (NPO), is when a patient is not allowed to consume any food or fluids by mouth before a procedure. Pulmonary aspiration occurs when a patient aspirates the contents of their stomach after administration of anesthesia, during the surgical procedure, or the period immediately following the procedure. ASA current guidelines for elective surgery requiring sedation suggest a minimum NPO status of two hours from clear fluids and six hours for solid foods. Risks of prolonged fasting include: increased risk of electrolyte imbalances, insulin resistance, dehydration, and patient discomfort. Risks of pulmonary aspiration include pneumonia, hypoxia, death and more. Despite studies that contradict the need for prolonged fasting, surgeons continue to recommend an NPO status greater than the current preoperative fasting guidelines of, two hours for clear liquids and six hours for food.
Effect of NPO Status on Aspiration Risk in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Procedural Sedation
American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) recommends that patients complete preoperative fasting prior to surgeries requiring sedation. Preoperative fasting, also known as nil per os (NPO), is when a patient is not allowed to consume any food or fluids by mouth before a procedure. Pulmonary aspiration occurs when a patient aspirates the contents of their stomach after administration of anesthesia, during the surgical procedure, or the period immediately following the procedure. ASA current guidelines for elective surgery requiring sedation suggest a minimum NPO status of two hours from clear fluids and six hours for solid foods. Risks of prolonged fasting include: increased risk of electrolyte imbalances, insulin resistance, dehydration, and patient discomfort. Risks of pulmonary aspiration include pneumonia, hypoxia, death and more. Despite studies that contradict the need for prolonged fasting, surgeons continue to recommend an NPO status greater than the current preoperative fasting guidelines of, two hours for clear liquids and six hours for food.
