A prospective, cross-sectional survey of pre-operative fasting of pediatric surgical patients in a university hospital

Background: Fasting of children before anesthesia is mandatory but blighted with logistical issues. There may be inadvertent prolonged fasting due to lack of individualized fasting plans for children coming for surgeries. We aimed to have a survey of state of preoperative fasting in our pediatric patients. Methodology: A questionnaire based, prospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted in our Department for one month. A total of 102 children, up to age of 16 scheduled for pediatric surgery were included in the data collection. The questionnaires were to be filled either by anesthesia consultant or trainees. The information related to duration of fasting and any extra oral hydration, was attained from patients' parents/guardians. The duration of fasting was then compared with the recommended one. Results: In this study only 4% of children could be labelled as having the optimum fasting. Based on the current guidelines, in 96% of children, the guidelines were not followed. Conclusion: Pediatric patients are being subjected to prolonged durations of fasting prior to anesthesia and surgery against the accepted norms and the guidelines.