ASA updates guidelines for preop fasting, drugs to reduce pulmonary aspiration risk

Editor's Note

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has published new “Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration: Application to health patients undergoing elective procedures.” The document updates its guidelines published in 2011.

The guidelines are intended for use by anesthesiologists and other anesthesia providers. They may also serve as a resource for other healthcare professionals who advise or care for patients who receive anesthesia care.

The guidelines do not apply to patients who undergo procedures with no anesthesia or only local anesthesia.

An Updated Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration*