Preoperative fasting is necessary for a range of patient cohorts. We have adopted the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Fasting Guideline for safe preoperative fasting and fluid diets in operating theatres in NSW hospitals.
Fasting guideline
Published by ANZCA: June 2024.
Reviewed by Agency for Clinical Innovation: October 2024.
This document provides guidance for safely stopping food and drink before surgery for patients of all ages. It covers general anaesthesia, major regional anaesthesia and any level of sedation more than the minimum level.
The goal is to reduce the risk of choking or other problems from eating or drinking too close to surgery, while also improving the patient’s health and comfort. It emphasises the importance of not going too long without clear liquids.
PG07 pre-anaesthesia consultation Appendix 1: Fasting guideline
Supporting resources
Sip Til Send fact sheet for clinicians
Published: August 2024. Next review: 2027.
Information for clinicians managing fasting times for patients who are waiting for surgery or sedation.
ADS-ANZCA Perioperative Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia Guidelines (Adults)
These guidelines address perioperative diabetes management for adult elective surgery. They encompass both people with known diabetes and newly diagnosed perioperative hyperglycaemia.
Source: Australian Diabetes Society and ANZCA
Diet specifications
These diet specifications help hospital staff prepare patients for surgery and some procedures. Patients continue oral fluids until two hours before a procedure to replace or maintain the body’s water balance and leave minimal residue in the stomach.
Preoperative oral fluid diet specification
Published: May 2016. Next review: 2024.
Preoperative oral fluid diet specification for people with diabetes
Published: May 2016. Next review: 2024.
Background
We have adopted this clinical guideline after a careful assessment and consultation process by the Anaesthesia Perioperative Care, Diabetes and Endocrine and Nutrition Networks.
This assessment was conducted in consultation with local health districts and ACI networks.
The guideline is part of the PG07 Guideline on pre-anaesthesia consultation and patient preparation. The evidence base and process to develop the guideline is described in the Pre-anaesthesia consultation background paper.
We acknowledge the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists as the developer and publisher of this clinical guidance resource. We adopt clinical guidance where it:
- reflects the current state of knowledge
- is relevant to the NSW population
- has a documented evidence base
- has clinician and consumer input and local acceptability
- has declared potential conflicts of interest
- is affordable.
The information in this resource should not replace a clinician's professional judgement.
For more information, email the Anaesthesia Perioperative Care, Diabetes and Endocrine or Nutrition Networks.