This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:

The objective of this review is to assess the effects of various preoperative fasting regimens (i.e. the duration of fasting from liquids and solids and the type and volume of permitted intake) on perioperative complications, including aspiration, aspiration-related morbidity (e.g. aspiration pneumonia), and mortality in children undergoing general anaesthesia. We will also assess the effect of preoperative fasting regimens on other perioperative outcomes and complications, including length of hospital stay, risk of unplanned intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, risk of unplanned oxygen administration, risk of unplanned admission, thirst, hunger, pain, risk of vomiting, and anxiety.

We will also use subgroup analyses to assess whether the risk of perioperative complications with various preoperative fasting regimens differ for children with a comorbidity (e.g. obesity, diabetes, respiratory, or digestive) or for children of different ages (e.g. infants, children, adolescents).