Effective January 1, 1999, these guidelines were the culmination of a two-year task force project to synthesize the available evidence with emphasis on a streamlined and cost-effective approach to management.  The guidelines specifically focus on preoperative fasting recommendations for the healthy patient undergoing elective procedures.  Also included are recommendations regarding the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration.  Published in the March 1999 issue of the journal Anesthesiology.