Why is fasting important? 

Fasting before surgery is vital for your safety under anesthesia. Anesthesia temporarily relaxes your body’s reflexes, including those that prevent food or liquid from entering your lungs. If there is food or drink in your stomach, there is a risk it could be regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs, leading to serious complications like pneumonia or breathing difficulties. Fasting ensures your stomach is empty, reducing these risks and allowing for safer anesthesia management.

What are the timeframes for fasting and drinking before surgery?

Fasting guidelines can vary based on the type of anesthesia and procedure. Generally, you will be asked to stop eating solid foods 6 to 8 hours before surgery, including heavy liquids like milk or cream. However, clear liquids—such as water, clear juices, or black coffee—are often allowed up to 2 to 4 hours before surgery.

It is essential to follow these instructions closely. Even small amounts of food or drink in your stomach can impact the safety of your anesthesia. If you accidentally consume something during the fasting period, inform your surgical team immediately, as your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Always consult your anesthesia team or surgeon for specific fasting guidelines tailored to your procedure and anesthesia type.