Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of complications during procedures and improve the efficiency of your child’s care. If your child is having abdominal (belly) surgery, he or she may have special eating and drinking instructions.
It is very important for your child to follow the eating and drinking guidelines. If the guidelines below are not followed, your child’s surgery could be delayed or rescheduled for another day.
Your child’s stomach must be empty for surgery. We do not want food from your child’s stomach to get into the lungs during surgery. Surgery will be delayed or rescheduled if you do not or cannot follow these instructions.
Give your child prescription medicines as usual up to two hours before surgery unless told otherwise by your doctor or anesthesiologist. Your child may take pills with a sip of water.
To speak with a doctor or nurse regarding questions about eating and drinking instructions, call 1-319-353-6684.