Effect of a Liberal Fasting Regime on Preoperative Gastric Volume Measured by Ultrasound
Official title: Effect of a Liberal Fasting Regime (Sip-til-Send) on Preoperative Gastric Volume Measured Using Point of Care Ultrasound
Run by Haukeland University Hospital · NCT07656649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether letting adults drink small amounts of clear liquid up to when they’re called for surgery (sip-to-send) is not worse than the standard fasting for keeping the stomach empty before general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Haukeland University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen, Vestland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07656649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 scheduled for general anesthesia or deep sedation who have fasted at least six hours for solid food and two hours for clear liquids and are expected to wait at least one hour before surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, pregnancy, ongoing opioid use, prior stomach surgery, GLP-1 agonist use, or diabetes may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study uses point-of-care gastric ultrasound to compare within the same patient how much stomach contents are present under a liberal sipping schedule versus standard fasting. Adults waiting for general anesthesia or deep sedation are assessed after arriving for surgery, with gastric volume measured in both supine and right lateral positions and video-recorded for blinded review. The primary goal is to determine if the sip-to-send approach is not inferior to standard fasting in reducing gastric volume prior to anesthesia. Automated methods for measuring antral area are being developed and validated as part of the analysis. Recruitment relies on existing surgical schedules and informed consent is obtained prior to inclusion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, sip-to-send could reduce unnecessary fasting times and improve patient comfort without increasing risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical concept adoption (sip-to-send) has been well received by patients and is being studied for safety and practicality in anesthesia prep.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to give written consent * Adult patient (\> 18 years of age) * Planned general anaesthesia or deep sedation * Fasted for at least six hours for food and two hours for clear fluids upon arrival * Expected to wait at least one hour before surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to give written consent * Active gastrointestinal obstruction * Pregnancy * Ongoing opioid use * Previous stomach surgery - gastric banding / Roux-en-Y / sleeve gastrectomy * Use of GLP-1 agonist (Wegovy) * Type 1 or 2 diabetes
Where it's running
-
Haukeland University Hospital
Bergen, Vestland, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan D Mathers, MBBS
- Email: jonathan.douglas.mathers@helse-bergen.no
- Phone: +47 55 97 13 14
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.