The investigators will be performing an international prospective, observational, multi-centre, cross-sectional study to determine the actual duration of preoperative liquid fasting time in European patients. Research has shown that prolonged fasting, particularly for liquids, is likely harmful to patients before, during, and after an operation. Harm from prolonged fasting for liquids includes dehydration, dysregulated blood sugar levels, increased stress response, and postoperative complications. Recent studies show an average preoperative fasting time for liquids that are significantly longer than necessary. Reducing fasting time is associated with improved patient well-being, a smoother perioperative course, shorter hospital stays, cost savings, and enhanced environmental sustainability. The investigators hypothesize that excessive preoperative fasting is still common practice in most European countries and would like to investigate the actual length of liquid fasting practices amongst patients in Europe, to determine whether the current guidelines are being followed.
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The primary objective of this observational study is to determine the actual duration of preoperative liquid fasting time.
Timeframe: Data will be collected on the same day among the participating centres. This is planned for the 23rd October 2024