Unfortunately, sometimes emergency situations arise and a person may need surgery that they had not planned to have that day.

“In an emergency, the need for surgery outweighs the risk of possible aspiration, so we adjust our technique to reduce the risk of aspiration,” says Norris. “We use higher doses of medication to help us place the breathing tube 30 to 60 seconds after the patient falls asleep, instead of the standard procedure, which is to wait a few minutes while we help the body to breathing without a breathing tube like standard doses of medication do takes full effect. It may not seem like a big difference, but it can be the difference between aspirating and not aspirating.

Norris says another important factor to consider is whether the patient is taking GLP-1 drugssuch as Ozempic. Because these medications prolong the time food stays in the stomach, patients must follow a different set of guidelines:

• Do not take the medicine for a week before surgery
• Consume clear liquids only 24 hours before surgery

If you arrive for your procedure and have not yet reached the minimum fasting period, a ultrasound can check if there is anything left in your stomach. This can help doctors make the safest decision if you find yourself in a gray area where you are close to the recommended fasting period.

However, taking care to follow fasting guidelines will ensure your procedure is completed on time while preventing you from aspirating.