Can I have ice chips before surgery?

Question

My mouth gets very dry at night and in the morning. I know I'm not allowed anything after midnight. I just want something to wet my throat. So is it safe to have a few ice chips?

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's a good question. Make sure to check with your surgeon, or anesthesiologist, for exact recommendations. Typically a small amount of ice chips is not a big deal. It's also affected by what time your surgery is within the day (morning, afternoon).

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I would have to agree with most of the others. While it is essential not to have anything to eat or drink after midnight, it should likely not be a problem to wet your mouth and throat with a couple of ice chips or sips of water. It would be best to confirm the allowance of this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most anesthesiologist would not have a problem having a patient consume a few ice chips before a general anesthetic. Nevertheless assessed to be cleared with your own anesthesiologist.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Dry mouth is not a reason to put yourself at risk for aspiration pneumonia which at the very least will complicate your recovery and at the worst can be fatal.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

Ask your surgeon or better yet ask the anesthesia provider whom will be performing your anesthesia. A few ice chips usually are not a big problem as they pass through the stomach very quickly, ASA guidelines for clear liquids released in 2016 is 2 hours. The old school safe answer would be to not have anything past midnight, but depending on when your surgery is scheduled, this just isn't simply true, best to ask your anesthesia provider.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Ice chips should not be a problem before your surgery because almost everyone is allowed a sip of water with their morning pills. I would check with your plastic surgeons office to make sure about this. Sometimes the recommendations vary depending on the type of surgery being done and the policies of the surgery center. Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Unless specified by your surgeon or anesthesiologist you should not have anything after midnight, including ice chips.  Hope this helps.

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Usually, a few ice chips is not a big deal depending on what time your surgery is.  Be sure to check with your surgeon if this is ok.  Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should have nothing to eat or drink, including ice chips, prior to surgery.  If an exception is to be made it will have to come with consent from your surgeon and/or anesthesiologist.  Please note, they are not trying to be "mean" and torture you.  This guideline is for your safety during surgery.

Can I have ice chips before surgery?

Answers (14)

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