Effect of anxiety on the rate of gastric emptying of liquids

Abstract

The efficacy of preoperative fasting is reduced in the presence of any factor which delays gastric emptying. We examined the association between anxiety and gastric emptying in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. Immediately before operation, 21 patients completed both a Spielberger state trait inventory (used to quantify current anxiety state (STAIs) and anxiety predisposition (STAIt)), and the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (used to quantify anxiety and need for information). Gastric emptying was measured using the paracetamol absorption technique. Four to 10 weeks later, gastric emptying and STAI were measured again. Patients were more anxious before than after operation (STAIs = mean 35.4 (SD 10.9) and 25 (4.1), respectively; P = 0.0004). Neither anxiety state (P = 0.40) nor measures of anxiety relative to anxiety predisposition (P = 0.86) influenced gastric emptying (as measured by area under the paracetamol absorption-time curve). This contrasts with previous findings that anxiety in patients with low anxiety predisposition scores delays gastric emptying.

Preoperative intravenous midazolam: benefits beyond anxiolysis

“…However, several studies have clearly demonstrated that preoperative anxiety does not affect gastric function. 17,18 Furthermore, preoperative anxiety has been found not to be predictive of PONV in the clinical setting. 19 Finally, it is possible that benzodiazepines exert a central antiemetic effect.…”

Electrogastrography during and after cesarean delivery

“…Several small studies have reported no differences in terms of gastric emptying in preoperative compared with postoperative periods [18][19][20], even when associated with increased anxiety during the preoperative period [20]. Although we did not objectively evaluate the anxiety of parturients during the present study, we could not explain the changes in the DF during cesarean section by the presence of anxiety alone.…”

Effects of Preoperative Anxiety on Gastric Fluid Acidity and Volume

“…These are inconsistent with previous general knowledge and our expectations. Several authors reported that preoperative anxiety did not prolong gastric emptying nor had influence gastric acidity and volumes in adults and children (3-5, 8, 9). Haavik et al (6) evaluated the relationship between oral premedication, preoperative anxiety, and gastric contents in patients having elective surgery.…”