Read the practical considerations around preoperative fasting, with individual preparation and recovery decisions confirmed by your treating team.
Key points
- Discuss your individual suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating clinician.
- Ask for written preparation and recovery instructions, including your medicines and follow-up.
- Confirm the healthcare facility, full costs and arrangements before booking travel.
On this page
Why should I fast before the surgery?
There are many different types of surgeries; some are done under local anesthesia, others require regional or general anesthesia. Normally, a patient is not allowed to eat or drink before the operation that is performed under general anesthesia. Why do you need to fast before surgery depends on the anesthesia type and the patient’s condition.
Under general anesthesia, the normal throat reflexes and the gastrointestinal tract movements are temporarily stopped.
If the patient’s stomach is full in this condition, there is a risk of vomiting or bringing food into the throat.
Consequently, food particles may easily make their way into the lungs or airways and cause suffocation or damage the respiratory system.
Even in local anesthesia, due to the possibility of intraoperative problems such as the patient waking up during the operation or not cooperating with the medical team, the patient might be placed under general anesthesia.
Therefore, all patients are normally asked to fast before the operation, regardless of what type of anesthesia is planned for them.
What am I allowed to consume before surgery?
Try to eat healthy, high-fiber foods like fruit and vegetables several days or weeks before surgery.
In addition, foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein are essential for your body to go through the postoperative healing process as well as possible.
Moreover, having a low-fat diet minimizes the possibility of postoperative side effects.
Try to eat healthy, high-fiber foods like fruit and vegetables, in addition to foods which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein several days or weeks before surgery.
What happens if I don’t fast properly?
The following risks may occur if you eat or drink before general anesthesia:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Aspiration (inhaling vomit)
- Pulmonary complications (infection, pneumonia)
- Asphyxiating or choking to death
What if I had an emergency operation?
In case of an emergency operation, bowel preparation (bowel prep) is done, which is a process that drains the digestive tract of food and stool. It is also a way to make sure the bowels are completely empty in order to prepare the patient for surgery.
A practical point for your care
Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.[1]
Plan your next step
Read the patient travel guides · Contact SanaMedTour
Sources
[1] NHS: Preparing for surgery — supports the individual-care planning note above. ↑ Back to text
Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.