Preoperative fasting: A systematic review

Purpose: the aim of this compilation is to evaluate the randomized controlled studies made about preoperative fasting. materials and methods: randomized controlled studies about preoperative fasting were examined. this literature examination was made in computer environment by using “pubmed”, “ebsco”, “med-line” ve “scopus” databases. 11 randomized controlled papers were found about preoperative fasting. these 11 studies were given in an order according to chronological order including aim, sample, method, findings, discussion and conclusions. results: 11 studies about preoperative fasting include results about complete preoperative fasting of patients after midnight, reducing preoperative fasting periods and the effect of liquids given to patients during this process at same volume and different content, on the situation (blood sugar level, insulin level, albumin level and staying period in hospital) after operation. in literature it was stated that long term fasting causes many metabolic changes to occur, that it increases stress level of patients, that it damages their accordance, that it increases the staying period in hospital and that it decreases the comfort of patients. no negative impact of reduced preoperative fasting period could be detected on gastro intestinal system functions. conclusion: night time fasting, which is a traditional application and its results, is now being questioned. related with this issue, it is considered that studies on wider samples are required in order to evaluate the changing conditions.