Why are patients asked to refrain from eating before surgery?

Patients are asked to refrain from eating before surgery primarily to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. When a patient is under general anesthesia, the protective reflexes of the airway are diminished, increasing the likelihood that any stomach contents could be inadvertently inhaled into the lungs. This can lead to serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia or other respiratory issues. By maintaining a fasting period prior to surgery, healthcare providers can help ensure that the stomach is empty, thereby minimizing the risk of this dangerous event occurring during the procedure.

While other factors, such as patient comfort, recovery speed, and minimizing surgical complications, may play a role in preoperative care, the primary and most critical reason for fasting relates directly to aspiration risk and the safety of the anesthetic process.