METHODS

Data sources:

Medline (1966 to August 2003), CINAHL (1982 to August 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (second quarter, 2003), and the UK National Research Register (August 2003); bibliographies of relevant studies and conference proceedings; and experts.

Study selection and assessment:

randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that compared the effects of different preoperative fasting regimens prior to general anaesthesia; included adults ⩾18 years of age; and reported postoperative complications. A standard fast was defined as nothing by mouth from midnight before morning surgery or a small breakfast early in the morning before afternoon surgery; intake of …