Paediatric Anaesthesia Department

Pre-anaesthetic Feeding and Fasting

Fasting

Patients should fast for six hours from food or milk drinks.
Cordial or water may be given until two hours before the scheduled time of starting the list.
Babies less than 6 months of age should fast for four (4) hours from breast milk or formula. Sweet/clear fluids or water may be given until two (2) hours before the scheduled time of operation.

Feeding

Child is to have normal feeding on the day before surgery.
Unless instructed otherwise, parents should time the fasting period for 8.30 am if their child is on a morning operating list and 1.00 PM if their child is on an afternoon list.
If surgery is in the MORNING then with older children a light snack and a drink before going to bed should be given.
If surgery is in the AFTERNOON then a light breakfast of toast and milk fluids may be given until 7.00 am.
Nothing may be taken by mouth within 2 hours of the procedure (see also "Administration of oral drugs to fasting patients").
Any variation of these guidelines can only be authorised by the attending anaesthetist.

Failure to observe these guidelines may result in the procedure being deferred.

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