Patients often wonder if chewing gum is permissible before surgery. Generally, chewing gum before surgery is not advised. Adhering to pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines, is fundamental for patient safety during surgery. This guidance exists to minimize potential complications associated with anesthesia and surgery.
Why Chewing Gum Matters
Chewing gum, even without swallowing it, stimulates the body’s digestive processes. This stimulation includes increased saliva production and the secretion of gastric juices. These gastric secretions contribute to both the volume and acidity of stomach contents. The primary concern with increased gastric fluid is the increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia.
Pulmonary aspiration occurs when stomach contents, whether liquid or particulate matter, are inadvertently inhaled into the lungs. This can happen when protective airway reflexes are diminished or absent during general anesthesia. Aspiration of acidic gastric fluid can lead to severe lung injury, known as aspiration pneumonitis, or a lung infection called aspiration pneumonia. These complications can be severe, potentially causing respiratory distress or lung infection. Sweetened gums may further stimulate gastric activity, exacerbating these risks.
What Happens If You Chew Gum
If a patient chews gum before surgery, the medical team will assess the situation. The presence of gastric contents, even from gum chewing, can increase the risk of aspiration during the induction of anesthesia. This assessment may lead to a delay in the surgical procedure to allow the stomach more time to empty. In some instances, if the risk is too high, the surgery may be canceled.
The decision to delay or cancel surgery is made by the anesthesiologist and surgeon, prioritizing patient safety. Anesthesia medications can relax the esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus and potentially be aspirated. Therefore, ensuring the stomach is as empty as possible is a standard safety measure. This precaution is a necessary step to prevent serious complications from aspiration.
What To Do If You Have Chewed Gum
If you have inadvertently chewed gum before your scheduled surgery, immediately inform your medical team. This includes nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons. Open communication about any food or drink consumed, including gum, is crucial for your safety.
Providing this information allows the healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding your care. They can then assess the potential risks, monitor you, and adjust the surgical plan if necessary. Always follow all pre-operative instructions, and if any doubts arise about what you can or cannot consume, clarify them with your healthcare provider in advance of your procedure.