Why You Should Not Eat Before Surgery? Scientific Reason Explained by Doctors

Why is it forbidden to eat before surgery? Learn the scientific side

Have you ever wondered why patients are strictly told to stop eating and drinking before surgery? Even a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or a cup of tea are banned! Doctors say this is not just a rule—it is an important scientific process to protect the patient's safety.
Let's find out the real reason behind not eating before surgery.

 

✰ Scientific reasons not to eat before surgery

Nutritionist Kanika Malhotra says that fasting before surgery is medically called “NPO” (Nothing Per Oral)—meaning eating anything by mouth is strictly prohibited.
She says, “No solid food should be eaten for at least 8 to 12 hours before surgery. In some cases, water or clear liquids can be taken, but no solid food at all.”
Dr. Amit Saraf, an internal medicine specialist at Jupiter Hospital, explains—
“When anesthesia is given, the body’s natural reflexes like swallowing and coughing are temporarily stopped. Then, if any food or liquid remains in the stomach, it can rise up and enter the lungs, resulting in choking or ‘aspiration pneumonia’. Therefore, keeping the stomach empty makes surgery safer.

 

✰Is eating prohibited during all surgeries?

According to experts, fasting is essential for almost all types of surgery, whether minor or major.
The only difference is the duration of fasting; it depends on the type of surgery, the patient's age, and physical condition.
For minor surgeries, fasting for 6–8 hours is usually sufficient,
while for major surgeries, it can be up to 10–12 hours.

 ✰What happens if you follow the rules?

✅ The body gets time to completely digest food and empty the stomach.
✅ The airway is protected during surgery.
✅ Anesthesia can be given safely.
✅ The risk of vomiting or nausea after the operation is reduced.
✅ The patient recovers quickly.

 

Dr. Swarup Swaraj Pal, Chief Surgeon of Gleneagles Hospital, said
that fasting before surgery helps the surgery to be completed smoothly and (postoperative) complications are greatly reduced.

 

 

 

 

 

 ✰Some important warnings

1. It is wrong to think that tea or light snacks are 'safe'—they can also pose risks.
 

2. If you accidentally eat something before surgery, you must inform the doctor. Hiding it can be dangerous.
 

3. Some medications need to be taken with a little water even on an empty stomach—it is important to follow the doctor's instructions.
 

4. This rule is equally important for both children and adults.

So, in short, 

Not eating before surgery is not just a formality—it is a scientific process to protect the body.
Its main purpose is to make anesthesia safer, keep the airway clear, and ensure a speedy recovery.
Therefore, fasting according to the doctor's instructions means keeping your life safe.