Current knowledge, practice and attitude of preoperative fasting: A limited survey among Upper Egypt anesthetists

BackgroundPreoperative fasting aims at minimizing the risk of pulmonary aspiration. Anesthesia societies have officially recommended a fast of 2 h for clear fluids and 6 h for solid food before elective surgery.We conducted a limited (regional) survey to examine anesthetists’ preoperative fasting routines for adults undergoing elective surgery (primary endpoint). Further, we analyzed their familiarity with the new recommendations, knowledge of guidelines, and attitudes towards liberalized fasting (secondary endpoint).MethodStandardized questionnaires were mailed to 147 anesthetists in South valley, Aswan, Qena and Sohag governorates requesting anonymous response. We focused on the duration of preoperative fasting for solids and fluids as well as on the anesthetists’ knowledge and acceptance of new guidelines recommendations, and on their attitude towards this issue in general.ResultsThe overall response rate was 68% (n = 101). Of those, 92 respondents were familiar with the new recommendations. A total of 18 (18.9%) anesthetists reported that they usually recommend a preoperative fast for solid food of 6 h and for clear fluids of 2 h (N group). A total of 10 (9.9%), of anesthetists respondents fell into (P group). The traditional NPO after midnight is still practiced by the majority 73 (72.27%) (T group).ConclusionOur study showed that the majority of studied anesthetists are aware of the new preoperative fasting guidelines; however, they are still practicing strict preoperative NPO from midnight. Therefore, National published guidelines are needed to promote shorter durations.