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A member asked:
How come i have to fast for 24 hours before surgery?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Aspiration: The time that you need to be without food is to minimize risk of aspiration during induction of anesthesia. Aspiration is reflux of stomach contents into the lungs due to the relaxation of all the muscles.
Answered 1/4/2016
4.9k views
No vomit in lungs : You want to know why you can't eat before surgery. You do not need to fast for 24 hours. Most only require fasting after midnight. The reason you want to have an empty stomach is the risk of vomiting into your lungs. During anesthesia (going to sleep at beginning of surgery) you will possibly vomit and if you have digested food it could get into lungs. Safest is empty stomach.
Answered 8/20/2013
4.9k views
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