The practice of pre-operative fasting aims to minimise residual gastric volume and acidity prior to surgery. This helps to prevent regurgitation, inhalation and aspiration of gastric contents and in doing so makes your surgery safer. Your fasting requirements will be confirmed by the Pre-admissions staff the day prior to your surgery.
Generally however the following apply :
Morning Operation
You may be asked to fast from midnight the day before your procedure. This will require you to not eat or drink the morning of your operation.
Afternoon Operation
You may be able to have a light early morning breakfast (cereal, tea and toast), generally before 6am on the day of your operation.
The Pre-admissions staff will notify you of the exact time you are required to fast from. You must have not anything to eat or drink from this time.
If you have any questions regarding these fasting instructions, please contact the Pre-admissions staff of the relevant hospital or West Coast Urology.