Abstract This study is a comparison between the allowing of free clear fluids until about two hours preoperatively and the usual preoperative fasting. In a prospective trial the residual volume and pH of gastric content were measured in 60 patients who were put into either a study group where the intake of free fluids was allowed up to two hours preoperatively or a control group who were fasted for six hours. There were no significant differences between the study group's residual gastric volume (RGV) (22±16) and the control group's RGV (21±14) nor the study group's pH (2.5±0.8) and the control group's pH(2.3±0.9). There were no complications of aspiration or regurgitation in either group but the patients in the study group reported less preoperative thirst. We believe that to allow the drinking of clear fluids until two hours before an operation is safe and enhances the comfort of the patient.
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