What Happens During Surgery?
Before we delve into the reasons why you shouldn’t eat or drink before and after surgery, it's important to understand what happens during the procedure itself. Surgery involves the use of anesthesia, which is a medical technique that induces a temporary state of controlled unconsciousness or numbness. This state is essential for performing operations without causing pain or distress to the patient. However, anesthesia also affects various systems in the body, particularly the stomach and digestive tract.
Anesthesia works by blocking nerve signals, so the patient doesn’t feel pain. But it also suppresses the body’s reflexes, including the gag reflex. If there is food or liquid in the stomach when anesthesia is administered, it could cause serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, a condition where food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs. This can lead to severe respiratory issues and extended recovery times. In addition, anesthesia can also slow down the body’s normal digestive functions, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting, particularly if food or liquid is present in the stomach.
When you go under anesthesia with food in your stomach, the body is at a higher risk of complications. This is why medical guidelines recommend pre-surgery fasting, which generally involves no eating for 6-8 hours before surgery and no drinking for at least 2 hours. These precautions allow the stomach to empty, ensuring a safer procedure and better recovery. In Korea, these guidelines are strictly followed, reflecting the country’s commitment to maintaining surgical safety protocols and ensuring the best outcomes for patients.
The Role of Fasting in Surgery Preparation
The primary reason for pre-surgery fasting is to minimize the risks associated with anesthesia. When food is present in the stomach, it can trigger anesthesia complications such as aspiration, which can be life-threatening. Anesthesia dulls your gag reflex, making it easier for food or stomach acids to be inhaled into the lungs if vomiting occurs. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious condition that may prolong hospitalization, recovery, and overall healing time.
Fasting before surgery gives the body time to metabolize the food and allow the stomach to empty. Typically, the recommended fasting period is 6-8 hours for solid foods and at least 2 hours for clear liquids. This is enough time for the digestive system to process and clear the food from your stomach. Not following these guidelines can increase the risk of surgical risks during the procedure, including nausea after surgery.
Another reason fasting is essential is that eating or drinking right before surgery can also impact anesthesia effectiveness. Anesthesia works best when the stomach is empty, allowing the body to absorb it properly. Having food or liquid in the stomach can alter the way the anesthesia works, potentially leading to complications or needing more intensive monitoring during surgery.
Korean hospitals, known for their advanced healthcare standards, emphasize these fasting rules to ensure optimal surgery preparation. They follow Korean surgery guidelines, which adhere to international best practices for pre-surgical care, reducing the likelihood of complications and improving recovery outcomes.