PATIENT INFORMATION
What if I accidentally ate or drank?
Let the anaesthesia team know exactly what you had, how much and when, even if you are worried about a delay. This information helps them assess the safest next step.
Why this information matters
Food or liquid remaining in the stomach can affect aspiration risk. Knowing what happened helps the team assess the risk and discuss an appropriate plan with you.
What to report
- What you ate or drank, as specifically as possible (for example “a cup of tea with milk,” “two biscuits,” “a mint”)
- Roughly how much
- The time you had it
- Any chewing gum, sweets or tobacco products
What may happen next
The team will decide whether the procedure can safely proceed, whether it should be delayed, or whether a different anaesthesia strategy is appropriate. The answer depends on the food or drink, the time since you consumed it, your aspiration risk and how urgent the procedure is.
In some circumstances, the team may be able to move the procedure later in the list. The length of any delay depends on the individual assessment.