The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists’ current recommendations (Professional Statement 15) for healthy patients having elective surgery are as follows:
You may have a light meal (eg toast and clear fluids) up to 6 hours prior to your anaesthetic, and clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to your anaesthetic.
“Clear fluids” include a glass of water, black tea or coffee, or apple juice without pulp.
Children over 6 weeks of age may have limited solids and formula milk up to 6 hours prior, breast milk up to 4 hours prior, and clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to anaesthesia.
Infants under 6 weeks of age may have formula and breast milk up to 4 hours prior to their anaesthetic.
You will generally receive specific instructions about which of your usual medications you should continue taking on the morning of your surgery, and you should still take these with a sip of water (even while you are otherwise fasting).
Diabetics will also receive specific instructions regarding their medications.
If you have any questions, please contact the Pre-admission Clinic ( 02 9463 1413 during business hours). If you are not appropriately fasted, your surgery will be delayed or cancelled.