Is it necessary to fast for 6 hours after surgery?

Dec 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, whether to withhold food for 6 hours after surgery mainly depends on the type of anesthesia used. If local anesthesia is administered, there is no need to withhold food for 6 hours postoperatively. However, if general anesthesia is used, the patient must fast for 6 hours to prevent aspiration, suffocation, or other complications due to eating before the anesthesia wears off. In addition, vital signs should be monitored regularly after surgery, and treatment should be tailored according to the patient's postoperative response.

Generally, whether it is necessary to fast for 6 hours after surgery mainly depends on the type of anesthesia used. If local anesthesia is administered, fasting for 6 hours is not always required; however, if general anesthesia is used, fasting for at least 6 hours is necessary. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the procedure involves minor surgery with local anesthesia, patients typically do not need to fast for 6 hours postoperatively. This is because local anesthesia is generally not affected by food intake, and eating afterward may not trigger adverse anesthetic reactions. However, postoperative diet should be light and bland, avoiding spicy or irritating foods that may interfere with wound healing.

If minimally invasive surgery requiring general anesthesia is performed, patients must fast for 6 hours afterward. This is because eating before the complete elimination of general anesthetics may lead to aspiration, increasing the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, and potentially even causing suffocation. After approximately 6 hours, the effects of anesthesia usually subside, making it safer to eat.

To ensure safety, patients' vital signs, including respiration, pulse, and mental status, should be monitored regularly after surgery. If any instability in vital signs is detected, medical staff should be notified promptly, and targeted treatment should be administered under a physician's guidance.

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