16 Hours of Fasting Before EGD: Safe to Proceed
You do not need to cancel your EGD after fasting for 16 hours—this exceeds the minimum safety requirement and is perfectly safe for the procedure. 1
Standard Fasting Requirements for EGD
The American Society of Anesthesiologists establishes clear fasting guidelines for procedures requiring sedation:
- Clear liquids may be consumed up to 2 hours before the procedure 2, 1
- Light meals require a minimum 6-hour fast 2, 1
- Fatty or fried meals require an 8-hour fast 1
Your 16-hour fast far exceeds these requirements, making you well-prepared for the procedure from a safety standpoint.
Why These Fasting Times Matter
The primary concern with inadequate fasting is the risk of pulmonary aspiration during sedation. However, there are no studies showing a direct relationship between fasting time beyond the minimum requirements and reduced aspiration risk 2. The guidelines are designed to ensure gastric emptying is adequate, and you have more than doubled the maximum recommended fasting period.
Important Considerations About Prolonged Fasting
While 16 hours is safe for most healthy individuals, be aware:
- Prolonged fasting beyond 48 hours can lead to hypoglycemia (blood glucose <60 mg/dL), but 16 hours is well within safe limits for healthy individuals 3
- Patients with diabetes are at higher risk during extended fasting and should have been given modified instructions 1, 3
- Meta-analysis shows that 2-4 hour fasting for clear liquids results in smaller gastric volumes and higher gastric pH compared to prolonged fasting, meaning longer isn't necessarily better 1
Proceed With Your Procedure
There is no medical reason to cancel or delay your EGD based on a 16-hour fast. 2, 1 You have met and exceeded all safety requirements for the procedure. Contact your endoscopy center only if you have other concerns unrelated to fasting duration.