Review: evidence is lacking to show that adults given fluids 1.5–3 hours preoperatively have greater risks of aspiration or regurgitation than those given a standard fast

Study selection and assessment: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that compared the effects of different preoperative fasting regimens prior to general anaesthesia; included adults >18 years of age; and reported postoperative complications. A standard fast was defined as nothing by mouth from midnight before morning surgery or a small breakfast early in the morning before afternoon surgery; intake of a small amount of fluid (10–30 ml) to assist intake of oral medication was permitted. Studies were assessed for quality (randomisation method, allocation concealment, blinding, sample size calculation, intention to treat analysis).