Many patients ask why they cannot eat or drink a cup of chai before surgery. When anesthesia medications are administered, the body’s normal protective airway reflexes (coughing and swallowing) are temporarily suppressed. * **The Aspiration Hazard:** If there is food or liquid in the stomach, it can be regurgitated back up the esophagus and aspirated directly into the lungs, causing acute chemical pneumonitis and fatal asphyxiation. * **The Fasting Standard:** * **Solid food & milk:** Minimum 6 to 8 hours before scheduled surgery time. * **Clear liquids (water):** Up to 2 hours before surgery (unless otherwise instructed by your anesthesiologist).

Surgical site infections can delay recovery and cause severe complications. Follow these surgical hygiene protocols: * Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your dressing or wound area. * Keep the surgical dressing clean and completely dry. If the dressing becomes damp or soiled, have it replaced in a sterile manner by hospital nursing staff. * Watch for infection signs: spreading redness (erythema) around the incision, increasing localized warmth, swollen margins, or yellow pus-like discharge. * Complete the entire prescribed course of post-operative antibiotics; never discontinue early.