NPO Status and Aspiration Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a feared but largely preventable complication of anesthesia. In a recent closed claims analysis in Great Britain, it accounted for 3% of all claims and 1/6 of airway-related claims. Half of these aspiration-related claims involved emergency surgery. For non-emergent surgeries, patients are asked to fast in order to allow for sufficient gastric emptying time to prevent aspiration. The 2011 evidence-based ASA guidelines for fasting time are as follows: ASA fasting guidelines Ingested Minimum material fasta Clear 2 hours liquidsb Breast 4 hours milk Infant 6 hours formula 6 hours milk Light 6 hours mealc Fasting times a apply to all ages and are intended for healthy patients undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor. b Examples: water, fruit juice without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, black coffee.
NPO Status and Aspiration Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a feared but largely preventable complication of anesthesia. In a recent closed claims analysis in Great Britain, it accounted for 3% of all claims and 1/6 of airway-related claims. Half of these aspiration-related claims involved emergency surgery. For non-emergent surgeries, patients are asked to fast in order to allow for sufficient gastric emptying time to prevent aspiration. The 2011 evidence-based ASA guidelines for fasting time are as follows: ASA fasting guidelines Ingested material Minimum fasta Clear liquidsb 2 hours Breast milk 4 hours Infant formula 6 hours milk 6 hours Light mealc 6 hours a Fasting times apply to all ages and are intended for healthy patients undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor. b Examples: water, fruit juice without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, black coffee.
1A-NPO%20and%20aspiration.Jennifer.5.9.12.docx