Why is it necessary to have an empty stomach before any surgery?
You need to have an empty stomach before any surgery because the anesthetic increases the chances of regurgitating, which can damage your lungs and cause breathing problems.
This is because, during the operation, you will be given either a local or a general anesthetic. When a general anesthetic is given, all the normal reflexes of your body tend to relax. This increases the risk of vomiting, which causes regurgitation of contents of the stomach back into the esophagus and mouth or even into the windpipe and lungs. If your stomach contains food, it can get into your lungs and cause breathing problem and damage to your lungs. Therefore, it very important to have an empty stomach before undergoing any surgical procedure that requires administration of general anesthesia.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
Meet Our Physicians
Related Questions About Anesthesia
You need to have an empty stomach before any surgery because the anesthetic increases the chances of regurgitating, which can damage your lungs and cause breathing problems.
See full answerIn order to avoid any untoward situations, it is important to discuss with your anesthesiologist about the medications you should continue and the ones should stop before your surgery.
See full answerThere are three types of anesthesia, which include local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Each option has several forms and specific uses.
See full answerSerious risks are extremely rare, but minor side effects such as a sore throat and nausea may occur.
See full answerAt first, your anesthesiologist will numb the area on your lower back with a local anesthetic, and then through a special needle, the anesthetic is placed into the epidural space.
See full answerNo, the epidural injections are considered treatment methods for back pain.
See full answer
