A surgical abortion is a medical procedure performed by a healthcare professional, typically involving sedation or anesthesia for comfort. Pre-procedure preparation is necessary for patient safety due to the medications administered. Following specific guidelines for what you can and cannot consume beforehand minimizes potential medical complications and ensures the procedure can be completed safely.
Specific Guidelines for Eating and Drinking
The direct answer to whether you can eat is generally no, but restrictions vary between solid foods and clear liquids based on digestion speed. Medical instructions follow the NPO protocol (Nil Per Os, meaning “nothing by mouth”). For any procedure involving sedation, you must not consume solid foods for a specific period to ensure the stomach is empty.
Standard guidelines recommend avoiding all solid foods, including chewing gum and candy, for at least six to eight hours before the scheduled procedure time or the administration of anesthesia. Eating a heavy meal, particularly one high in fat, may require a longer fasting period due to slower digestion. These minimum fasting times are non-negotiable; failure to comply will lead to the cancellation or rescheduling of the procedure.
In contrast, clear liquids are generally permitted for a much shorter duration, often up to two hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include:
- Water.
- Clear apple juice.
- Black coffee or tea without cream or milk.
- Plain, fat-free broth.
Milk, dairy products, pulpy juices, and alcohol are not considered clear liquids and must be avoided within the solid food fasting window. Patients must follow the exact instructions provided by their clinic, as protocols vary depending on the type and depth of sedation planned.
Understanding the Risk of Aspiration
The strict nature of the fasting rules is directly related to the risk of pulmonary aspiration during sedation or anesthesia. When a patient is under sedation, the body’s protective reflexes, such as the gag and cough reflexes, become relaxed or temporarily inactive. These reflexes prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs.
If food or liquid remains in the stomach, this material can be passively regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs before or during the procedure. This event, known as pulmonary aspiration, is a serious complication. Inhaling acidic stomach contents can cause a severe inflammatory reaction in the lung tissue called chemical pneumonitis.
Aspiration can introduce bacteria into the lungs, leading to a serious infection. The goal of preoperative fasting is to ensure the stomach is empty, reducing the volume and acidity of any material that could be aspirated. Adhering to fasting instructions significantly reduces this medical risk associated with anesthetic agents.
Non-Dietary Preparation Steps
Beyond the guidelines for eating and drinking, patients must complete several other preparatory steps to ensure a safe experience.
Medications and Supplements
Instructions regarding prescription medications should be reviewed carefully with the healthcare provider; some may be permitted with a small sip of water, while others must be held entirely. It is generally advised to stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, for up to seven days before the procedure, as they act as blood thinners.
Clothing and Personal Items
On the day of the appointment, patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing. Jewelry and piercings, particularly those around the neck or face, are usually required to be removed before the procedure. Clinics often request that patients leave contact lenses, makeup, and nail polish at home or remove them upon arrival.
Transportation Requirement
A mandatory requirement for any procedure involving sedation is arranging for a responsible adult to provide transportation home and remain with the patient for the first 24 hours. Sedation medications impair judgment and coordination, making it unsafe to drive or operate machinery immediately afterward. This companion helps monitor recovery and provide support following discharge.