How long should I not eat or drink before the surgery?
July 18, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Sebastian Köhler
Dear Doctor,
My name is Fanni Voigt and I am about to undergo surgery, during which I will require anesthesia. I am concerned about how long I should refrain from eating or drinking before the surgery to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
I have heard that it is important not to eat or drink before surgery to minimize the risk of complications during anesthesia. However, I am wondering how long I should abstain from food and drink to ensure that the anesthesia is effective and no problems arise.
I am worried that if I go too long without eating or drinking, I may become dehydrated or weak, which could negatively impact the success of the surgery. At the same time, I want to make sure I have enough time to clear food and fluids from my system to avoid complications.
Could you please provide me with specific instructions on how long I should refrain from eating or drinking before the surgery? Are there any specific guidelines I should follow? Are there possibly exceptions for certain types of surgeries or health conditions? I want to make sure I do everything right to ensure my health and the success of the surgery.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Fanni Voigt
Dear Fanni Voigt,
Thank you for your question regarding preparation for a surgery requiring anesthesia. It is completely understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that you are doing everything right to avoid any possible complications. I will provide you with specific instructions on how long you should refrain from eating or drinking before the surgery.
The guidelines for fasting before surgery, also known as the "Nüchternheitsgebot," can vary depending on the type of anesthesia and the planned operation. Typically, it is recommended that you refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight before the surgery. This means that from 12:00 AM on the night before the procedure until the surgery the next day, you should only consume clear liquids such as water, clear broth, or tea without milk.
It is important that you strictly adhere to these instructions to minimize the risk of complications during anesthesia. Consuming food or liquids can lead to issues such as vomiting during the operation, which can in turn result in aspiration (the entry of stomach contents into the lungs) and other serious complications.
However, there are exceptions to this rule depending on the patient's health condition and the nature of the planned operation. For example, in certain emergency surgeries, it may be necessary for the patient to not be fasting before the operation to avoid life-threatening situations. In such cases, the anesthetist will assess the risks and take appropriate measures.
It is important that you follow all instructions from your anesthetist precisely to ensure that the anesthesia is effective and the operation is successful. If you have any further questions or are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact your treating physician or anesthetist.
I hope I have answered your question thoroughly and wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery. If you have any more questions, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Sebastian Köhler
