Information

Appropriate fasting before your procedure from food and fluids is essential for safe anaesthesia.

Adults & Children

If your operation is in the morning you must not have anything to eat after 12 midnight. However, we do not want you to be dehydrated so you may drink clear fluids (water, cordials, apple juice, black tea or coffee [no milk]) and we encourage you to do so up to 2 hours before your procedure. A good rule of thumb is to drink these up until you get in the car to come to hospital.

If your operation is in the afternoon you can have a light breakfast before 7am. Do not eat anything after this time. However, we do not want you to be dehydrated so you may drink clear fluids (water, cordials, apple juice, black tea or coffee [no milk]) and we encourage you to do so up to 2 hours before your procedure. A good rule of thumb is to drink these up until you get in the car to come to hospital.

Occasionally some procedures require a longer period of fasting from food e.g. during bowel prep for colonoscopy. If that is the case, your surgeon / proceduralist will let you know. It is important to follow those instructions.

Infants Breastfeeding

Infants up to 12 months of age can be breastfed up until 4 hours prior to their anaesthesia.

Medications

All oral medications should be continued (with some water) before your operation, including during the fasting period, unless otherwise advised. If you have any medication queries, including those related to diabetic medications, please contact your surgeon or the Preadmission Department of the hospital for advice.