mimi3938 on SmartJay

Why Patients Should Not Eat Before Surgery Patients are usually asked to avoid food and drinks for several hours before surgery. This is an important safety measure for several reasons. 1. To prevent aspiration During surgery, anaesthesia reduces the body's protective reflexes. If there is food or stomach acid in the stomach, it may travel back up the oesophagus and enter the lungs. This is called aspiration. Aspiration can block the airways, damage lung tissue, and lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. 2. To reduce the risk of vomiting Anaesthesia can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. If a patient has recently eaten, vomiting during or after surgery can increase the risk of choking and other complications. 3. To help ensure a safer operation An empty stomach allows the surgical and anaesthetic teams to manage the patient's airway more safely and reduces the chances of avoidable complications during the procedure. Following fasting instructions before surgery is a simple but vital step in protecting a patient's health and improving surgical outcomes.