5 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8
P
atients who drink clear fluids up to 2 hours before sur-
gery are less likely to become hypotensive during anes-
thesia induction or experience PONV in recovery.
They're also happier and more prepared to handle the
extreme physical stress of surgery. So why do you con-
tinue to starve patients by asking them to stay out of the fridge after
the stroke of midnight? Maybe because NPO is a hard habit to break
and attempts to alter established routines in surgery are as welcome
as an add-on case on a Friday afternoon. Before a holiday weekend.
But why settle for the change is hard excuse when improving surgical
outcomes and patient satisfaction is as easy as (finally) sending one of
surgery's sacred cows out to pasture?
Why Go NPO After Midnight?
It's time to get onboard with the not-so-new approach to pre-op fasting.
• LIQUID ASSETS Letting patients drink 2 hours before surgery decreases their thirst and anxiety, and improves their strength.
Daniel Cook | Executive Editor
