Fasting For Surgery

What is Anaesthetic Fasting?

Understanding Fasting For Surgery

Fasting prior to surgery refers to the practice of abstaining from food and drink for a defined period before an anesthesia procedure to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration, which is the displacement of gastric contents into the lungs.

It is recommended to fast from clear fluids up to two hours prior to surgery and from solid food up to six hours prior.

This aims to balance reducing the risk of aspiration with minimizing the negative metabolic effects of prolonged fasting such as insulin resistance, catabolism, discomfort, hypotension (low blood pressure), and dehydration.

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.