The global embrace of SipTilSend and lessons for de-implementation in perioperative care

For over eight decades, perioperative fasting has been shaped by ‘nil by mouth from midnight’ to reduce pulmonary aspiration during anaesthesia. However, prolonged fasting contributes to complications such as anxiety, dehydration, hypotension, delirium, post-operative nausea and vomiting, and acute kidney injury, especially in older or frail patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that consuming clear fluids up to two hours before surgery is safe and improves patient comfort and post-operative recovery.