Comparative study of residual gastric volume using ultrasound following preoperative fasting regimen of 6hr-4hr-2hr in paediatric age group undergoing general anaesthesia and relation with gastric pH;A hospital based prospective, observational study

Preoperative fasting is an important  step to prevent postoperative complications like aspiration,post operative nausea,vomiting etc.Since Mendelson’s publication of the article regarding fatal consequences of aspiration of gastric contents preoperative fasting guidelines have evolved over the years.Presently the guidelines : 6hrs for solids,4hrs for liquids and 2hrs for clear fluids are followed internationally.But it is noticed that there is an excessive fasting time among patients as a result of fear of postponement of surgery,miscommunication etc.Though recent studie have shown that there is not much increase in incidence of  aspiration in children who are allowed to take fluids upto 1 hour prior to surgery the data is limited.So with this study  we are aiming to assess the gastric volume at different hours of preoperative fasting using ultrasound in prescribed age group and  to see if there is any relationship between gastric ph and gastric volume.Our hypothesis is that if there is no considerable change in the gastric ph there is provision to decrease our  standard fasting hours.