PROCEDURE - NO DRINK AFTER 12 - WHY?

Besides being told "don't have anything to eat or drink after 12 midnight in prep for an endoscopy or colonoscopy," because the test will be cancelled; can you tell me WHY one can not have anything to eat or drink after 12 midnight?  What are the risks/consequences?  Are there any circumstances whereby it would be alright to ingest something if one had a good reason to do so?

[laura1967]

You are being put under with anesthesia...if you have food or liquid in your system, it increases the risk of aspiration. (Vomiting and choking while under) Which can have serious and fatal consequences.
Also you need to have an empty colon for the endoscopy so they can view properly.

[hofdog]

well its like this its the same with smoking you cant smoke two weeks prior the surgery because it causes you to be realy dehidrated and the cant give you flued while operating its the same with you have to fast for so manny hours because something could go wrong because of being under the anacetic it could all crossfire thats why they say fast because you do it.

[Ariom63]

Good morning..Thought I would log back in one more time before heading to hospital to have my gallbladder taken out.  My procedure is at 11am.  I asked the surgeon why..and his reponse is because of vomiting when waking up.  I know alot of people that did eat a little and didn't, and then some that did.  Best just not too.....heck I am a smoker and they recommend you don't.  But I just smoked half, YES I will tell them.  Guess I might have screwed up.  But I will deal with it.  

Good luck on your procedure.

[Dnas1]

Thanks all of you for your comments regarding "PROCEDURE- NO DRINK AFTER 12 - WHY?" from 3/31/09 8:52 a.m.
You stated "you need to have an empty colon for the endoscopy".  So I'm assuming you mean after 12:00 midnight the evening before you have the endoscopy for the next morning.  Is that right?

I was told that if you have low blood sugar that you can have some juice up until 4-6 hours before the procedure.  What are your thoughts?
From: Dnas1

[Ariom63]

Well..remember not a doctor here by any means!  I had my procedure as you know, and that morning I was able to take my meds with a sip of water, not an entire glass....I know my father is diabetic and they always have let him take some oj..very little before his surgeries and he has had many.  Including open heart surgery.  but the best thing you can do to make sure and stay safe is call the hospital where you having your procedure and they are more than happy to answer that question.  

When is it again?  

[Ariom63]

Sorry laura..not meant for you..guess a little loopy due to meds! lolol.  The above post from me is to Dnas1.  

[stnktn]

Laura and Ariom are right on this one. Generally you do not eat or drink due to the risk of aspiration. Which is basically vomiting during anesthesia and it going into your lungs. The endoscopy is done with a different anesthesia then general anesthesia like in surgery. so I am not sure whether the reasoning is exactly the same because with endoscopy they are looking into the esophagus and stomach with a scope so having an empty stomach is probably important. Out of all my endoscopies I only had one as an emergency and I had half a bottle of water beforehand but I was OK. Not saying that will be the same for you. I was also told the same, any important medications can be taken with a small sip of water. which I have also had to do.