Preparation on the Night Before Surgery

Going for a number of hours without eating or drinking is often difficult, especially for children. Fortunately, recent research has demonstrated that clear fluids can be safely given up to two hours before an operation.

Our Guidelines

Pre-Operative Eating and Drinking Instructions:

• Solid foods may be given up to 8 hours before arrival time. After this time, eating foods heavy in fat may result in the delay of surgery. Delays and potential cancellation will be at the discretion of the supervising anesthesiologist.
• Light foods may be given up to 6 hours before arrival time. This includes formula and non-human milk, toast with light butter, 1 piece of fruit, plain or salted crackers, bagel with light cream cheese, 1 bowl of grain cereal with skim/low-fat milk.
• Breast milk may be given up to 4 hours before arrival time.
• Clear fluids may be given up until 2 hours before arrival time. This includes water, apple juice, ginger-ale, Pedialyte, Kool-Aid, clear broth and Jell-O or popsicles without fruit pieces.
• If your child is sick, has a rash on the surgical site or has been exposed to any communicable disease, such as COVID-19, head lice, chicken pox, flu, tuberculosis, MRSA, VRE, or hand, foot, and mouth disease please notify us before reporting for surgery.

We are always happy to answer any of your questions; call us at 401-444-6030.