Preoperative fasting practice: optimising surgical patients’ food and fluid intake

In healthcare, the terms 'fasting' or 'nil by mouth' usually refer to a patient who is not allowed to have any form of food, drink or medicines orally for a specific time. Fasting is a contentious issue in perioperative care, and differing guidelines in this practice can cause confusion and pose unnecessary risks to patients. Prolonged fasting may lead to discomfort and increased risk of surgical complications, while studies have shown that shorter fasting periods can enhance patient outcomes. Evidence supports allowing patients to have sips of clear fluids preoperatively, as demonstrated by the SipTilSend protocol, which may reduce fasting times without increasing the risk of complications. This article explores and promotes evidence-based fasting protocols that could improve perioperative care and enhance the patient experience.