All healthy patients scheduled for elective surgery are expected to fast for at least the following times prior to surgery:
Minimum Fasting Time
*Clear liquids include: water, sugar water, Pedialyte, 7-Up, Gatorade, pulp-free apple or grape juice. Orange juice is not a clear liquid.
*Gum chewing is considered a clear liquid because it promotes formation of gastric secretions. However, if gum is swallowed, it is a solid food and 8 hours of fasting is required prior to surgery.
The amount of solid food or formula ingested by the patient does not change the required fasting time.
If a patient has not followed this fasting policy, surgery may be rescheduled or postponed to a later date in order to protect the patient from possible life-threatening complications of aspiration pneumonia.
Do not give gum or candy to your child on the day of surgery, in order to avoid rescheduling of the operation.