Is acid reflux common while being under anesthesia? How many hours before surgery should you not eat or drink?

Question

On 11/28/16 I went in for a BA, Lipo admoninoplasty, & Lipo of my outter thighs. Before going under they asked if i had history of heartburn I said yes & I had taken OC meds for this the previous morning, they asked when i had eaten or drank last I said 7:30pm for food & 10:30pm I had water. My surgery was at 6:15am. They gave me a drink of something for my PH & started me out on my stomach. Then all I remember is waking up coughing & them saying they had to stop. I had to reschedule.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You should not eat or drink 8 hours before surgery.  Reflux can add to the possible complications in the intraoperative period.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, reflux is not common when a person is under anesthesia but this is a known risk of having a general anesthetic.  In my practice no food is allowed less than 8 hours before surgery and clear fluids must be stopped 3 hours before.  However, it is essential to understand your own surgeon/facility's guidelines.  This is very important for your safety.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I also answered your other question and once again I am sorry to hear you had such problems. I want to clarify that you did indeed have a general anesthetic. If not, then this is what I would question. Because usually with general anesthesia, this should not be a problem and it sounds like your NPO instructions were appropriate. With any future surgeries, please make sure you discuss having a general anesthetic due to previous problems. Hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically patients are instructed to not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to surgery.  Occasionally some patients may be instructed to take certain medications the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.  It sounds as though you followed the instructions properly.  I would request to speak with the anesthesiologist who cared for you on the reasons for stopping and how you can avoid this in the future.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

We have used general anesthesia almost exclusively in my cosmetic surgery practice for the last 15 years and I cannot remember ever having that problem. I asked one of my anesthesiologists for comment and he said it is possible but not common and may relate to your specific anatomy in the area of the larynx that prevents a good fit of the cuff around the breathing tube. In our practice the anesthesiologists all ask the patient to go without eating or drinking for 6 hours before a procedure. Is it possible you were not under general anesthesia ( ie had a breathing tube in place)?

Is acid reflux common while being under anesthesia? How many hours before surgery should you not eat or drink?

Answers (5)

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