New research encouraging patients to drink fluids until 2 hours before surgery

Following up on our Paragon Orthopedic Center December newsletter about being NPO before surgery, renowned orthopedic surgeon Michael Ast recently noted the importance of drinking clear liquids up until 2 hours prior to surgery.  His talk regarding this information took place today, December 13th, at a national orthopedic surgeon’s meeting in Las Vegas.  Continuing to hydrate with clear liquids right up until that two hour mark helps avoid the lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting that can occur when the body is dehydrated.  When you are well hydrated, you will be more successful at getting out of bed postoperatively.  Physical therapy will be more successful and a complete, timely recovery/discharge is more reliable.  All around, the benefits of staying up on your clear liquids until two hours before your surgery time are going to help make your surgery successful.  Both Dr. Rob Bents and Dr. Jim Van Horne keep up with the latest research, but if your healthcare provider isn’t mentioning that you can drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery, you should further inquire.  You are your best advocate!