Comparison of USG-Guided Gastric Volume at 1 h and 2 h of Giving Clear Fluids for Elective Pediatric Surgeries and its Effect on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Background: Preoperative fasting is a universally followed principle in patients undergoing elective surgeries to minimize the risk of pulmonary aspiration. Objectives: The main objective is to compare ultrasound (US)-guided gastric volume after encouraging clear fluids till 1 h and 2 h preoperatively. Methodology: We carried out a prospective observational study in a multispecialty children's hospital, wherein pediatric patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and ASA II physical status undergoing elective surgeries and between the age group of 2 and 10 years were enrolled in the study on sample size of 60. The study tool used was US Mindray machine with a linear probe of frequency 10–12 hertz. The study was approved by hospital ethical committee. Those patients who could take clear fluids 3 ml/kg 2 h prior to surgery as per standard guidelines were placed in Group A and those who received 3 ml/kg of clear fluids till 1 h before surgery placed in Group B. US assessment of gastric volume was done in the preoperative area. Results: There is no significant difference in gastric volumes and antral cross-sectional area in both the groups. There is no significant increase in incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in Group B where clear fluids were encouraged till 1 h prior to surgery. Conclusion: According to the study, we can conclude that clear fluids can be encouraged till 1 h preoperatively in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgeries.