The prohibition of oral fluid consumption previous to a surgical process is an ordinary medical follow designed to mitigate the chance of pulmonary aspiration. This complication happens when abdomen contents, together with liquids, are regurgitated and enter the lungs. Aspiration can result in critical well being points equivalent to pneumonia, lung injury, and, in extreme circumstances, respiratory failure throughout or after the operation.
The first advantage of adhering to those pre-operative fasting tips lies in lowering the amount and acidity of abdomen contents. Traditionally, stringent fasting durations had been carried out. Nevertheless, present analysis helps permitting clear liquids as much as two hours earlier than anesthesia for a lot of sufferers. This follow helps preserve hydration ranges and reduces affected person discomfort with out considerably growing aspiration danger. The particular tips are based mostly on components equivalent to age, well being standing, and the kind of surgical procedure being carried out.
