How long should a patient fast before appendicitis surgery?
Disease description:
My husband has appendicitis and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, but I heard that fasting is required. Could you please advise how long he needs to fast before the surgery?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Fasting before appendicitis surgery typically requires abstaining from food for about 8 to 12 hours. The purpose of fasting is generally to prevent aspiration. During appendicitis surgery, anesthesia is administered, which suppresses the cough reflex. If aspiration occurs, food can enter the airway, potentially leading to lung infection or suffocation.
