Gastric Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patients to Evaluate Gastric Residual Volumes and Compare NPO Protocols

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the use of gastric ultrasound in critically ill patients to measure gastric residual volumes and compare the effectiveness of different fasting (NPO) protocols before surgery. The study focuses on patients admitted to intensive care units who require general anesthesia or sedation for procedures and have a protected airway. The purpose is to better understand how different NPO approaches impact gastric volume and related outcomes such as aspiration pneumonia. Participants will follow one of two fasting protocols before surgery: a standard protocol where patients fast from midnight before the surgery date, and a liberal feeding protocol where patients receive enteral feeding until called to the operating room, at which point their stomachs are decompressed via a pre-existing gastric tube. Gastric ultrasound will be performed in different positions to assess gastric volume within an hour of surgery. During the study, patients will undergo gastric ultrasound evaluations, and researchers will monitor gastric residual volumes, compare NPO protocols, and record any peri-operative aspiration events. The amount of enteral nutrition lost before surgery will also be estimated. The study will last up to 16 months from start to completion, with outcomes assessed within four months after the study ends. Participation involves close monitoring in the intensive care setting with diagnostic imaging and clinical observation.

Gastric US in ICU Patient