Pre & Post-Operative Instructions
Please read carefully and follow the timing exactly — this is the most common reason a procedure has to be rescheduled.
Fasting Guidelines
| Age | Solid Foods | Water / Apple Juice | Breast Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years and older | None for 8 hours prior | Only, up to 3 hours prior | — |
| Under 5 years | None for 8 hours prior | Only, up to 3 hours prior | Only, up to 4 hours prior |
Nothing at all — including water — may be taken in the final 3 hours before the appointment, for any age.
Clothing
Please wear a short-sleeve, loose-fitting shirt and bring a light blanket. For children who do not wear a diaper or pull-up, bring a change of clothes. Do not wear makeup, nail polish, false eyelashes, or contact lenses.
Change in Health & Medications
A change in health — especially a new cold or fever — is extremely important to report. Please notify the office of any change before your appointment. Take prescription medications as normally scheduled unless previously discussed with the anesthesiologist, and only with a small sip of water.
Designated Driver
A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office and remain during the procedure. Do not plan to drive or make decisions for 24 hours afterward. Rideshare and public transportation are not acceptable transport home. Children should ride in a car seat. If appropriate transportation isn't arranged, the appointment will be cancelled.
Questions Before Your Visit
Dr. Patel's office will contact you before the appointment to review these instructions and answer any questions. To discuss your anesthesia plan sooner, call (555) 010-2727.
After Your Procedure
Pain or Fever
Muscle aches and a sore throat are common after general anesthesia and usually resolve within 24 hours. Acetaminophen is generally effective for discomfort. A fever up to 101°F may develop in children for the first 12 hours — acetaminophen with plenty of fluids helps. Avoid ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for 6 hours after anesthesia, since similar medication may already have been given.
Diet
Limit oral intake to liquids for the first few hours. If teeth were extracted, avoid using a straw. Start with clear liquids such as water, apple juice, or an electrolyte drink, then move to soft foods — applesauce, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soup are good choices. Don't force eating; encourage fluids over the next 24 hours.
Activity
Do not drive or engage in moderate-to-high physical activity for 24 hours, or until the effects of anesthesia have fully resolved. Judgment may be impaired during this time — avoid swimming, biking, or unsupervised play, and watch the patient closely.
When to Call
Call the office if you notice persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, a fever above 101°F beyond the first 12 hours, or anything that concerns you. For a medical emergency, call 911.