Review Article

Systematic Review: Outcomes by Duration of NPO Status prior to Colonoscopy

Table 2

Summary of studies assessing aspiration events in relation to NPO status.

Author, year [reference number]
Study design, sample size
NPO status groups
(1 = intervention; 2 = control)
Aspiration
NPO group 1NPO group 2

Gurudu et al., 2010 [29]No episodes of bronchoaspiration were recorded, including in the procedures performed in patients taking same-day bowel preparation
Observational:
NPO status 1: ≥4 hours
NPO status 2: >8 hours

Huffman et al., 2010 [31]None of the patients in any group had clinical evidence of aspiration during their procedures
Observational:
NPO status 1: ≥2 hours
NPO status 2: >8 hours

Manno et al., 2012 [41]No major complications related to sedation
RCT:
NPO status 1: 2 hours
NPO status 2: >8 hours

Mathus-Vliegen and van der Vliet, 2013 [43]No events during 30-day period (from charts of patients and a complication database)
RCT: analyzed
NPO status 1: hours unclear (split-dose exam (p.m.))
NPO status 2: >8 hours

Matro et al. 2010 [44]1.6% (1/61) were aspirated during the procedure0/54
RCT, analyzed
NPO status 1: 4 hours (a.m. prep only)
NPO status 2: 4 hours (p.m./a.m. prep)

Varughese et al., 2010 [52]No sedation complications
RCT:
NPO status 1: ≥3 hours
NPO status 2: >8 hours

NPO: nil per os; RCT: randomized controlled trial.