How to prepare for elective surgery

Pre-operative fasting for elective surgery

Morning theatre – excluding colonoscopy

• On the day before surgery, patients may eat until 12 midnight
• Have nothing further to eat after this time
• On the day of surgery patients may have only sips of water until 6.00am (no more than ½ cup in total)
• Morning medications should be taken with a sip of water at 6am
• Have nothing further to drink after this time

Afternoon theatre – excluding colonoscopy

• On the day of surgery patients may have a light breakfast before 7am (piece of toast, black tea, black coffee, water only)
• Have nothing further to eat after this time
• Patients may have only sips of water (no more than ½ cup in total) until 11am
• Lunchtime medications should be taken with a sip of water at 11am
• Have nothing further to drink after this time

Colonoscopy patients

• Please follow specific instructions provided by your surgeon

Paediatric patients under 6 months of age

• Breastfeeding is allowed up to three (3) hours before surgery
• Formula or cow’s milk is allowed up to four (4) hours before surgery

Please note:

• Alcohol and dairy products are NOT to be taken
• While fasting eat NO lollies and/or chewing gum

Definitions:

Clear fluids: Water, weak cordial, black tea or black coffee, clear sports drinks (1/2 cup = 125mls in total); Alcohol and dairy products

(including white tea/coffee) do not meet the definition of clear fluids.