The importance of, and reasons for, pre-operative fasting: the cornerstone of safe surgery and anaesthesia
In the modern medical system, surgery has saved countless lives and improved the quality of life as an important treatment. However, the success of the operation depends not only on the good technology of doctors and advanced medical equipment, but also on the adequacy of pre-operative preparation. Among them, the importance of pre-operative fasting as a basic pre-operative preparation measure is often overlooked by many patients and even some non-specialized medical personnel. This paper will explore in depth the importance of pre-operative fasting and the scientific reasons behind it, with a view to raising public awareness and awareness of it.
The basic concept of pre-operative fasting is that of pre-operative fasting, which refers to the cessation of food and water consumption on medical orders, beginning the night before the operation, and the gradual recovery of the diet only after the operation has been completed and restored to a certain level. Specific time and requirements vary according to the type of operation, the method of anaesthesia and the specific circumstances of the patient, but at least 6-8 hours before the operation is required to fast solid food and 2-4 hours before the operation.
The importance of pre-operative fasting The reduction of stomach contents and the prevention of the risk of misuse: In an anaesthesia, the reflection of swallowing and coughing in the human body is reduced or even eliminated, while the emptiness of the stomach is reduced. If there are food or liquids left in the stomach, it is possible that the respiratory tract may be accidentally inhaled during surgery or anaesthesia, leading to serious complications such as inhalation pneumonia, asphyxiation and even life-threatening. Optimizing the management of anaesthesia and ensuring its safety: The use of anaesthesia needs to be accurately calculated on the basis of the weight, age and physical condition of the patient. Pre-operative fasting can help doctors to more accurately assess a patient ‘ s fluid state and to avoid influencing the distribution and metabolism of anaesthesia through stomach content, thus ensuring the accuracy and safety of anaesthesia. Post-operative recovery and reduction of complications: recovery of the gastrointestinal function takes time, pre-operative fasting reduces the gastrointestinal burden, promotes rapid recovery of post-operative intestinal function, reduces discomfort, vomiting, abdominal insufficiency, etc., and accelerates the overall recovery of patients.
iii. Scientific basis for pre-operative fasting: under normal conditions, when food enters the stomach from the mouth, it is gradually decomposed to small molecular matter through the movement of the stomach and the effects of digestive enzymes, which are then absorbed by the intestines. This process takes some time and the anesthesia interferes with the process, resulting in delays in stomach emptiness. Therefore, pre-operative fasting is intended to ensure that the stomach is as empty as possible and to reduce the risk of missuction. Effects of anaesthesia: Consistency inhibits the central nervous system, including the control of brain areas that reflect swallowing and coughing, reducing protective physiological responses. At the same time, some of the narcotic drugs would simply relax the sphincter at the lower end of the oesophagus, increasing the likelihood of a retrogression of the stomach content. Clinical data support: Several studies show that patients who strictly adhere to the pre-operative fasting guidelines have a significantly lower incidence of perinatal complications than those who do not follow the guidelines. This difference is even more marked, especially among paediatric and elderly patients, who are relatively less resistant to anesthesia and surgery.
IV. Consideration of exceptional circumstances. While pre-operative fasting is a general principle, for specific groups of patients, such as diabetics, infants, pregnant women, etc., the fasting programme needs to be adapted to the circumstances to avoid risks such as low blood sugar, dehydration, etc. Therefore, a personalized pre-operative preparation plan should be developed in close communication with the medical team.
V. CONCLUSION. Pre-operative fasting, while seemingly simple, is an essential part of ensuring the safety of the operation and the effect of anaesthesia. It is a test of the professionalism and responsibility of the entire medical team, not only for the safety of the patient ‘ s lives. As patients, the importance of pre-operative fasting and drinking should be fully recognized and carried out in strict accordance with medical instructions; as health-care providers, the pre-operative preparation process needs to be continuously optimized to ensure that every patient is able to receive the operation in the best possible condition, and to work together to promote its success and rapid recovery.
