INTRODUCTION

Considering the practice of preoperative fasting based on observations on the gastric emptying delay after induction and the time of this fast is closely linked to organic response to trauma, arise the question about preoperative fasting period necessary to minimize such response and support the professional with clinical and scientific evidence.

AIM

To review the aspects related to the abbreviation of preoperative fasting from the metabolic point of view, physiology of gastric emptying, its clinical benefits and the currently recommendations.

METHOD

Literature review was based on articles and guidelines published in English and Portuguese, without restriction of time until January 2017, in PubMed, SciELO and Cochrane with the descriptors: surgery, preoperative fasting, carbohydrate. From the universe consulted, 31 articles were selected.

RESULTS

The literature suggests that the abbreviation of fasting with beverage added carbohydrates until 2 h before surgery, can bring benefits on glycemic and functional parameters, reduces hospitalization, and does not present aspiration risk of healthy patients undergoing elective surgery. Another nutrient that has been added to the carbohydrate solution and has shown promising results is glutamine.

CONCLUSION

The abbreviation of preoperative fasting with enriched beverage with carbohydrates or carbohydrate and glutamine seems to be effective in the care of the surgical patient, optimizing the recovery from of postoperative period.