NPO Guidelines

Patients who are undergoing anesthesia of any type are not allowed to eat or drink beforehand. This time period is dependent on the type of food and the age of the patient. If these guidelines are not followed, for the safety of the child, the procedure may need to be postponed to another day.

The Following are the NPO Guidelines:

1. FORMULA, MILK, AND SOLIDS
   If the child is less than 3 years of age, they may have these foods up until 6 hours prior to the time of surgery. If the child is 3 years of age or older, they may have these foods up until 8 hours prior to the time of surgery.
2. BREAST MILK
   The child may be fed breast milk up until 4 hours prior to the time of surgery.
3. CLEAR LIQUIDS
   The child may drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before the time of surgery. Examples of clear liquids are water, Pedialyte, tea, apple juice, jello without fruit, and clear broth. Fruit juices with pulp are not allowed.
4. If the child has any of the following problems, you should only follow the guidlines outlines in #1. #2 and #3 do not apply:
   Any disease of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines (e.g., reflux)
   Kidney failure
   Liver disease
   Obesity

These guidelines apply only to The Mount Sinai Hospital and should not be referred to for use at any other hospital. Other hospitals will have their own guidelines that may differ from ours.