The American Society of Anesthesiologists just released new guidelines about
fasting before surgery.  Although they acknowledge the breastmilk is more
digestible than formula they are stating that babies should not receive
breastmilk less than FOUR hours before surgery.  Be prepared!
Cynthia D. Payne
LLL of Berkshire County Mass.
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<<Surgical Patients Benefit From Less Strict 'Nothing After Midnight' Rule

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Just how long someone needs to go
without eating or drinking before surgery received some new answers today when
the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) released medical guidelines on
preoperative fasting.
Physicians often use the term NPO (Latin for "nil per os"), meaning nothing by
mouth, often setting a deadline of midnight to begin fasting the day of
surgery.  For most surgical patients, that meant they could not eat or drink
anything eight to 12 hours before their surgery.  Now, experts say that many
patients may be allowed to drink clear liquids up to two hours before
receiving anesthesia or being sedated but only with the permission of their
physician.
Anesthesiologists and other physicians place strong emphasis on patients
following their NPO orders.  Physicians' NPO orders are extremely important
because they help to prevent pulmonary aspiration, which can occur if the
patient were to vomit.  Pulmonary aspiration, which occurs if some stomach
contents get into the lungs, can cause life-threatening conditions for
patients.
The "ASA Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting" suggests that patients
undergoing elective surgery may be allowed to drink limited quantities of
clear liquids up to two hours before surgery with permission from their
physicians.  Clear liquids include water, fruit juices without pulp,
carbonated beverages, clear tea and black coffee.  These liquids should not
include alcohol.
Studies show that there are significant benefits to allowing patients to drink
clear liquids up to two hours before surgery.  Patients, especially children,
are less anxious, better hydrated and may have fewer headaches and nausea
after surgery.  The developers of the guidelines have concluded that clear
liquids are digested quickly, so the amount of liquid a patient drinks before
anesthesia is not as important as what the patient drinks.
The guidelines are more strict when it comes to breast milk, nonhuman milk and
solid food.  Breast milk is more easily digested than nonhuman milk but should
not be given to babies less than four hours before surgery.  The guidelines
state that surgical patients should avoid solid food, nonhuman milk and infant
formula for at least eight hours before surgery.
According to ASA president John B. Neeld, Jr., M.D., "Practice guidelines
assist anesthesiologists and other health care providers in making the best
possible decisions for the safety and comfort of their patients.  Patients
also become more knowledgeable and therefore can make better informed
decisions about their health care."
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A copy of the preoperative guidelines and more information about the medical
specialty of anesthesiology can be found on the ASA Web site,
http://www.ASAhq.org.>>