Perioperative Point-of-care Gastric Ultrasound for Surgical Fracture Repair: Effect of Stress on Gastric Emptying

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of bedside gastric ultrasound to assess stomach contents and volume before surgery in patients undergoing fracture repair. This observational study focuses on the risk of pulmonary aspiration, a serious complication that can occur during anesthesia, especially in patients with trauma-related inflammation and stress that might delay stomach emptying. The study aims to determine if standard fasting guidelines are adequate for these patients, who are known to possibly have delayed gastric emptying due to their condition. The study involves patients over 18 years old with ASA physical status I to III who are scheduled for orthopedic surgery within three days after a fracture. Before surgery, an experienced anesthesiologist performs ultrasound examinations of the stomach in two positions to detect and measure gastric content and volume using a grading system. Patients with high gastric content risk may have their anesthesia plans adjusted accordingly. Postoperative monitoring for symptoms related to aspiration, such as nausea, vomiting, or respiratory signs, is conducted for 48 hours. Participants will be asked about their fasting status and last food or drink intake. Gastric ultrasound assessments will be performed preoperatively to measure stomach volume and contents. Researchers will monitor for postoperative complications like aspiration pneumonia and nausea within 48 hours after surgery. The primary outcomes include measuring gastric volume and content preoperatively, while secondary outcomes involve tracking postoperative nausea, vomiting, and signs of aspiration pneumonia. This process helps evaluate the safety and adequacy of fasting protocols in surgical fracture patients.

Point-of-care Gastric Ultrasound for Fracture Surgery