Effect of a carbohydrate lollipop on the gastric volume of fasted pediatric patients

BACKGROUND: Preoperative fasting is part of routine practice. Children subjected to prolonged preoperative fasting often suffer adverse effects. Consuming a preoperative lollipop may lessen their anxiety and have clinical benefits. AIMS: To assess the effect of consuming a lollipop on gastric volume and the feasibility of administering a lollipop to a child preoperatively. METHODS: In this prospective, repeated measures interventional study, we measured gastric antrum volume using ultrasound in children aged 2–18 years. We measured antrum volumes after participants had fasted for a minimum of 6 h for solids and 2 h for clear fluids. They then consumed a standard carbohydrate lollipop, and we repeated the antrum volume measurements after 1 h. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients enrolled, 32 completed the study; four had ingested additional food or liquid, and two were diagnosed with systemic disease the day after data collection. The gastric volume data were normally distributed. The mean volume change was 0.01 ml kg(−1) (95% CI −0.02 to 0.05; p = .460). The mean postlollipop volume was 0.51 ml kg(−1) (95% CI 0.43 to 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Consuming a standard lollipop did not affect the gastric volume of fasted pediatric patients.