Fasting for Surgery: What You Need to Know
What is Anaesthetic Fasting?
You should not have food for 6 hours and clear fluids 2 hours prior to your procedure
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaethetists- Fasting Guideline
Why is Fasting Important?
Fasting is important before surgery primarily to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration, which is the accidental inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs. Factors including gastric volume and certain medications can increase the incidence of pulmonary aspiration.
Fasting for a certain duration before surgery, typically clear fluids up to two hours prior and solid food up to six hours prior, is recommended to lessen this risk.
Moreover, fasting aims to minimize adverse metabolic effects such as insulin resistance, dehydration, and increased gastric acidity, which when combined with surgical trauma, can lead to poor postoperative outcomes.
Ensuring adherence to these guidelines is crucial to patient safety and surgical success.
Specific Fasting Timelines
| Patient Group | Solids | Breast Milk | Infant Formula | Clear Liquids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 6 hours | – | – | up to 2 hours before |
| Children > 6 months | 6 hours | 4 hours (breast) | – | up to 2 hours before |
| Infants < 6 Months | 3 hours | 4 hours | up to 2 hours before |
While these guidelines are based on national standards and best practices, you should always follow the specific instructions provided by your individual anaesthetist, as fasting requirements may vary depending on your health, surgery type, and anaesthetic plan.
If you have any questions or concerns about your fasting instructions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office — we’re here to support you.