Researchers found no statistically significant increase in aspiration pneumonia among mechanically ventilated patients who remained on continuous enteral feeding compared with those who fasted before the procedure. Pre-procedural fasting is widely practised before tracheostomy to reduce the perceived risk of aspiration. The primary outcome was the incidence of aspiration pneumonia within 72 hours of tracheostomy. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in 6.7% of patients who continued enteral feeding and 4.4% of those who fasted. Impact of pre-tracheostomy continuous enteral feeding on aspiration pneumonia risk and clinical outcomes: a prospective observational study.