Preoperative fasting; time to reconsider

The author has pointed out the need to reconsider mandatory fasting period before elective surgery. The protocol of NPO after midnight might well lead to a fasting period of more than 12 h, if the surgery is undertaken in the second half of the day, or is postponed at the end of the operating list. Patients might have to suffer from dehydration, dry mouth, and weakness, especially if they are old aged or debilitated with the current disease or other disabilities. The author proposes to keep the fasting period to a minimum and to be tailored according to the patient's physical status.