Can I have ice chips before surgery?

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.