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Fasting guidelines:
- Stop solid foods at midnight the day before your procedure
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formula up to 4 hours before their procedure
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breast milk (with or without fortification) up to 3 hours before their procedure
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water or clear apple juice until you arrive at CHEO
Your child’s or youth’s surgery may be delayed or rescheduled if they have had something to eat or haven’t followed the fasting requirements for liquids.
Why is it important to follow fasting guidelines before having an anesthetic?
Everyone having anesthesia (medication to keep your child comfortable during their procedure) must have an empty stomach. While a patient is asleep during surgery, food or fluid in the stomach can come back up into the throat and drain into the lungs. This can cause problems with breathing and infection.
In some cases, your care team may recommend a different fasting schedule before your scheduled surgery, test or procedure. Please always follow the directions provided by your care team.
Can my child or youth take medication the day of their surgery or procedure?
If the surgeon or anesthesiologist tells you to give your child one of their regular medications the day of their procedure, give the medication with a very small amount of water or apple juice only. Do not give with apple sauce, yogurt or other foods.
Important reminders:
• Your child’s procedure may be delayed or cancelled if your child or youth drinks inappropriate fluids or has something to drink or eat by mistake. However we do encourage your child or youth to drink water or apple juice until arrival at CHEO.
• Breastfeeding parents: please bring your own breast pump on the day of surgery if you think you will need to pump that day.
Questions?