How much do you know about fasting and drinking before surgery?

"Don't eat 8 hours before surgery!" Anesthesiologists and nurses often tell patients this during preoperative visits. Many patients wonder why.

Image source: Pixabay

1

Why do I need to fast before surgery?

During surgical anesthesia, the functions of swallowing and coughing will weaken or even disappear. If there is a large amount of food and water in the stomach, the stomach contents will flow back along the esophagus to the throat and mouth, and be accidentally inhaled into the airway and lungs, causing lung infection, suffocation, and even life-threatening in severe cases.

2

What is the specific time for fasting and not drinking?

The time for fasting and not drinking varies depending on the type of surgery, the method of anesthesia, and individual differences of the patient. According to medical guidelines, the general time for fasting and not drinking is as follows:

The above is for reference only and specific implementation must be carried out according to the requirements of the anesthesiologist and surgeon.

3

Related Notes

1. Follow the doctor's instructions: Patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions to fast and abstain from drinking. They cannot increase or decrease the time or eat on their own. If there are special circumstances, such as a history of diabetes, hypertension, reflux esophagitis, etc., they need to be informed in advance. The doctor will develop an individualized fasting and abstention plan based on the patient's specific situation.

2. Relieve anxiety: Preoperative anxiety and tension will also affect gastric emptying. Patients should relax their mood, regulate their emotions and avoid anxiety through reasonable methods such as listening to music, deep breathing, and slow walking.

3. Keep the mouth clean: During the period of fasting and abstention from drinking, patients should pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouths regularly, reduce the growth of oral bacteria, and keep the mouth moist.

Source: Chongqing Banan District Second People's Hospital

Audit experts: Yang Ju, Yang Yanfan

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