Tag: General anesthesia

In the mid-20th century, a medical precedent was established that required fasting during labor to protect against a rare but serious risk known as aspiration, a key reason you can't eat during induction today. This rule, however, has evolved significantly with modern obstetrics and pain management, although certain risks still make it a necessary precaution for many birthing people.

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, pre-operative fasting is a standard safety measure before surgery involving general anesthesia or sedation. The primary purpose of pre-operative fasting is to prevent the aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs, which can be a life-threatening complication.

According to the National Institutes of Health, fasting is a critical part of preparation for numerous diagnostic tests and surgeries. This can present a challenge for those following a nutrition plan or religious practice that involves fasting. Here, we clarify **what medical procedures break your fast** and which ones are safe to undergo without affecting your regimen.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedures are performed routinely, and the most common anesthesia approach is a combination of local anesthetic and sedation. The specific type of anesthesia used for PEG tube placement is carefully selected by the medical team based on the patient's individual health status and the procedure's requirements.

According to standard fasting guidelines, it is generally safe for many adult patients to eat a light, easily digestible meal the evening before surgery, which could include a banana. However, definitive answers and specific instructions must always come directly from your surgical team, as patient health and the procedure type are the deciding factors.