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Anesthesiology/no food or drinks allowed
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Question
Why is it when people are facing surgery, they are not allowed food or drinks pass a certain hour? When I was going in for surgery, they told me I couldn't even have water, not even a few sips.
Amy
This is because of concerns about the amount of fluid and acid you have in your stomach when you have your anaesthetic.
The main worry is that it may come up from the stomach and get into your lungs which is very dangerous.
So we have rules which tend to be around no solid food for 6 hours and no fluids for 2 hours preop.
Most of us do not worry about the odd sip of water and indeed encourage people to take their tablets as usual which normally also requires water.
Hope this helps.
Ian Jackson
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Anesthesiology
Answers by Expert:
Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based
Expertise
I am a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK. My interests include ambulatory or day surgery, obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia, acute pain management (use of epidurals and patient controlled analgesia)anaesthesia for surgery on the airway, orthopaedics and most things except brains and hearts. Interest in prehospital care of trauma and provision of medical cover at motorsport events.
Experience
Organizations
European Society of Regional Anaesthesia
British Association of Day Surgery
Obstetric Anaesthetists Association
Association of Anaesthetists
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