Fasting before general anaesthetic or sedation

Please follow these instructions if your procedure is being performed under general anaesthetic or sedation.

For your safety you must not eat or drink for a set time before your anaesthetic. If you do not follow these instructions your operation will be cancelled on the day.

You must not have any food or drinks—this includes soup, sweets, milk, tea, coffee or chewing gum for 6 hours before your appointment time.

Please note:  It is important that you drink plenty of water up until 2 hours before your appointment time.

You must not have anything at all by mouth after this time.

Why is fasting important?

Fasting is important to avoid complications with your anaesthetic and during your operation.

If you have a query in relation to your anaesthetic, please contact the preoperative assessment team directly on 020 3315 8966.