Learn why your kid can’t eat or drink before pediatric surgery in Orange County.
Before your child undergoes pediatric surgery in Orange County, it’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions. As part of the surgical process, your pediatric surgeons will give you a list of things to do and not do prior to surgery, including refraining from eating or drinking before the operation. While this may seem like an odd request, it’s important that you follow these instructions. Check out what you need to know about why your child cannot eat or drink before surgery.
Surgical Complications.
Not eating or drinking anything before surgery is an important precaution to prevent any surgical complications. A universal concern arises with the combination of a full digestive tract and anesthesia. The potential of vomiting while under anesthesia drugs can be life-threatening. Since the drugs paralyze your body, vomit may cause the patient to choke on or inhale the vomit while under the knife. Refraining from eating or drinking before surgery helps to reduce this risk. Additionally, if your child undergoes gastrointestinal surgery, a full stomach may increase the risk of infection.
Leading Up to Surgery.
Patients shouldn’t eat at least 12 hours prior to surgery. When it comes to your meals leading up to surgery, ensure that you eat a light meal. Too heavy of a meal takes longer for the body to process, which increases your risk for complications. Eat something small so that you’re ready to go for surgery. Additionally, leading up to the surgery, eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
When it comes to your child’s pediatric surgery, ensure that you follow all your surgeon’s pre- and post-op instructions. Contact the Pediatric Surgical Associates for all your pediatric surgical needs. Our pediatric surgeons in Orange County are experts at protecting your kids’ health and wellness!