Pre-Op & Post-Op Guidelines

Preop: NPO Guidelines
Preop EKG & CXR Guidelines (pdf) NEW
Preop LAB Guidelines (pdf) NEW
Preop Suboxone Instructions (pdf) NEW
Postop: Guidelines for Phase II Recovery ASU ("Fastrack")

A. ASA NPO Guidelines

B. Maine Med Center NPO Instructions to Patients

ASA NPO Guidelines, 1998 
Summary of Fasting Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration

NPO Guidelines, 1998 (ASA) (1)

Ingested Material: Minimum Fast(2):
 Clear liquids (3)  2 h
 Breast milk  4 h
 Infant formula  6 h
 Non-human milk (4)  6 h
 Light meal (5)  6 h

Footnotes (hyperlinked):

1 These recommendations apply to healthy patients who are undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor. Following the guidelines does not guarantee a complete gastric emptying has occurred.
2 The fasting periods noted above apply to all ages.
3 Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee.
4 Since non-human milk is similar to solids in gastric emptying time, the amount ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period.
5 A light meal typically consists of toast and clear liquids. Meals that include fried or fatty foods or meat may prolong gastric emptying time. Both the amount and type of foods ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period.

There is NO recommendation for ROUTINE use of:
a. gastrointestinal stimulants (metoclopramide)
b. Gastric acid secretion blockers (H2 blockers)
c. Antacids (bicarb, Na citrate)
d. Antiemetics (ondansetron)
e. Anticholinergics (atropine, glycopyrrolate)
f. Combinations of the above.


MMC: Instructions to Patients:
(Administrative NPO Guidelines)
11/2002

These NPO guidelines are somewhat more restrictive, to allow for changes in the surgical schedule, etc. These are the instructions given to patients on the Preoperative Visit or phone call.

Under 1 year:
1. No food, milk, breast milk, or formula 6 hours before surgery.
2. Encourage apple juice, water, white grape juice, or Pedialyte up to 2 hours before surgery.
3. NPO for the 2 hours before surgery.

Over 1 year, including adults:
1. No food or milk after midnight, regardless of time of surgery.
2. Coffee (without cream or milk), apple juice, cranberry juice, water, or other clear liquid up to 4 hours prior to surgery.
3. NPO for the 4 hours prior to surgery.

ADMISSION CRITERIA GUIDELINES FOR PHASE II RECOVERY (ASU)
"Fastrack"

October 2003

Parameter Criteria 
Neurological Return to pre-procedure level of consciousness. Arouses easily to voice, answers questions, able to follow commands. 
Neurovascular Return to pre-procedure level of motor/sensory function (i.e. moving all extremities; regional blocks to extremities excepted)
Respiratory  Patient maintains patent airway.
Patient maintains respiratory rate > 10 breaths/minute. Patient able to deep breathe and cough.
Patient maintains oxygen saturation >91% on room air or on 2-4 lpm O2 via nasal cannula. 
Cardiovascular  Patient's systolic blood pressure is within 20mm Hg of pre-procedural level.
Patient's heart rate and EKG rhythm is within patient's baseline
Patient's temperature is > 36° or at pre-procedural baseline.
Pain  Pain level 3 on Verbal Analog Scale (VAS) or small amount by description; should not require aggressive pain management 
Surgical Dressing Patient has no significant bleeding or amount of drainage is appropriate to procedure. 
Age  Children < 10 years not accepted for direct admission to Phase II (1:1 Nursing observation not available)