The importance of pre-operative fasting

The importance of pre-operative fasting is in the field of medicine, where anaesthesia is a complex and sophisticated technology that is widely used in surgery and in some diagnostic procedures. Anesthesia is an integral part of both small outpatient and large-scale inpatient operations. Although anaesthesia is very common and relatively safe in modern medicine, its successful implementation requires the cooperation of each and every one of us, in particular the observance of pre-operative fasting.What’s anesthesia?Anaesthesia is a drug-induced temporary state, which may include pain (without pain), oblivion (lost memory), loss of consciousness, loss of motor control and phyto-neurological stability. Depending on the type of operation and the patient ‘ s state of health, anaesthesia can be divided into local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia.Pre-operative fasting means that the patient does not eat solid food or drink liquids at the prescribed time prior to anaesthesia. The main purpose of the fast is to reduce the risk of retrenchment of stomach contents and inhalation pneumonia during surgery. When anaesthesia is administered to the patient, especially in the whole body, his protective reflection (e.g. vomiting and swallowing) is suppressed. This means that the stomach content may enter the airway, causing serious complications.Specific reasons include:Reduced risk of missorption: During anaesthesia, the ingestion and vomit reflection of the patient is reduced, and the stomach contents may reverse to the oesophagus and even be inhaled, causing inhalation pneumonia.Reduction of emergencies during surgery: Food residues in the stomach can lead to vomiting in surgery, increasing the risk and complexity of surgery.Assistance in the distribution of narcotic drugs: Abdominal deficiency contributes to more evenly functioning, increasing the effectiveness and safety of anesthesia.The recommended time for fasting is usually clinically recommended:Solid foods, including dairy products, should be stopped for 6-8 hours before anaesthesia.Clear liquids: e.g. water, clean tea, juice (no fruit), which can be consumed within two hours of the operation. However, specific fasting schedules may be adapted to different types of hospital and operation, and it is important to follow the specific guidance of the doctor and the anaesthetist in charge.Common answers – Why strictly adhere to fasting?Compliance with fasting time is intended to ensure the safety of the operation and reduce the risk of potential complications.Is it possible to drink drugs for water? In general, small quantities of water delivery drugs are permitted, subject to prior medical authorization.How do babies and young children fast? For infants and young children, the duration of the fast may be adjusted.What are the consequences of non-compliance with the fast? Non-compliance with the requirements of the fast could lead to the postponement or cancellation of the operation and, in serious cases, to life-threatening complications such as inhalation pneumonia.You can do this:Prior knowledge of pre-operative requirements: Acquire and have detailed information on all pre-preparations for the operation, including a fasting schedule.Rationally scheduled diet: ensure adequate nutrition during the night preceding the operation and avoid greasy and indigestionable food.Communication with a doctor: If you have any special dietary needs or state of health, contact a doctor prior to the operation.Reminder and supervision: If surgery is arranged for a child or an elderly person, this can be supported by, for example, a written reminder.It seems simple to fast before the end of the procedure, but it is “the top priority” in the preparation for the operation. Through pre-operative fasting, we not only protect the safety of operations, but also minimize the probability of anaesthesia and surgical complications. Remember, every time you cooperate and obey, you are responsible for health. In any case, follow the guidance of the medical staff at all times to ensure the best results and post-operative recovery.