People with epilepsy often need surgery, but it is not fully known whether their stomachs empty food and liquids at the same rate as people without epilepsy. Some seizure medications, special diets, and nerve changes related to epilepsy may slow digestion, which could increase the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to find out whether people with epilepsy still have food or liquid in their stomachs before surgery, even after following standard fasting rules. To do this, researchers will use a simple bedside ultrasound scan of the stomach before surgery. The scan takes only a few minutes and does not involve needles, radiation, or pain and will determine what food and/or liquid may be present in the stomach before surgery. About 30 adults with epilepsy scheduled for surgery will take part in this study. The results of this study may help to inform whether or not the surgical fasting guidelines for epilepsy patients need to be modified. This is a prospective, observational study that will take place at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.
Diagnosis of epilepsy (confirmed by history or medical records and classified as per 2025 ILAE classification for seizures).
Scheduled for elective neurologic (e.g., epilepsy surgery) or non-neurologic surgery under anesthesia.
18 years of age or older.
Adherence to standard fasting guidelines (verified by patient report).
Refusal/withdrawal of consent.
Noncompliance with fasting guidelines.
Pregnancy.
Patients with continuous treatment on GLP/GIP 1 analogues without a washout period.