Effect of routine preoperative fasting on residual gastric volume and acid in patients undergoing myomectomy

Background: Preoperative fasting of patients aims to reduce the residual gastric volume (RGV). The magnitude of this reduction is yet to be ascertained in the Nigerian population. Aim: To compare the RGV and pH of patients fasted for 6-12 h with those allowed oral intake of fluid up to 2 h preoperatively. Subjects and Methods: This randomized study involved 90 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients booked for abdominal myomectomy under general anesthesia. The patients were randomized into three groups. Preoperative fasting from midnight (Group F, n = 30) was fasted from midnight to the operation time. Carbohydrate-rich drink group (Group C, n = 30) received 800 mL of oral carbohydrate solution in the evening before surgery (22:00 h). An additional 400 mL was given 2 h before anesthesia. Placebo drink group (Group P, n = 30) received water in the same protocol as Group C. The Student's t-test was used to analyze RGV and pH postoperative satisfaction and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were compared on a visual analog scale. Results: The RGV and pH were similar for all groups (P = 0.45 and 0.90, respectively). Antiemetic consumption and PONV scores were lower in Group C compared with Groups F and P (P = 0.01). Patients' in Group C had higher satisfaction (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Preoperative carbohydrate or water intake up to 2 h before surgery is safe with better satisfaction when compared to overnight fasting.