Before your Anaesthetic

Before an anaesthetic, it is important for your stomach to be empty to reduce the risk of food or liquid entering your lungs. In most cases, this means no solid food, milk, or juice with pulp for at least 6 hours before your procedure. Clear fluids such as water, black tea or coffee (without milk), or clear apple juice may usually be consumed up to 2 hours beforehand.

Essential medications may be taken with a small sip of water if advised by your doctor. Some hospitals use a “sip ‘til send” approach, which allows small sips of clear fluid until you are called for your procedure — the hospital will tell you if this applies to you.

Always follow the exact fasting instructions given by your surgeon or anaesthetist, as these may vary depending on your age, health, or type of surgery. Eating or drinking outside the recommended times can increase risk and may delay or postpone your procedure.

For most procedures, you should continue taking your usual medications unless your surgeon or anaesthetist advises otherwise. Some medicines may need to be adjusted before an anaesthetic—most often blood thinners (to reduce bleeding risk), diabetes medications (to prevent abnormal blood sugar while fasting), and anti- inflammatory drugs (which can affect bleeding and stomach health).

Your surgeon or anaesthetist will give you clear instructions on if and when to stop these. Do not make any changes on your own—always follow the guidance provided, and bring an up-to-date list of all your medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal products, to the hospital.

Anaesthesia in Australia is provided by highly trained specialists known as Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCAs), and is very safe for most people. All Prime Anaesthetists are FANZCAs, meaning they have completed extensive training and are experts in providing safe, high-quality care. Like all medical procedures, anaesthesia carries some risks.

Common temporary side effects include nausea, sore throat, drowsiness, and muscle aches. Less common risks include allergic reactions, breathing problems, or heart complications, which are more likely in people with serious medical conditions.

Your anaesthetist will review your medical history, explain the specific risks for you, and take steps to minimise them. Serious complications are rare, and your anaesthetist’s main priority is your safety before, during, and after the procedure.

For most private hospital procedures, there are three main fees: the hospital, the surgeon, and the anaesthetist. You may also have additional fees such as pathology, x-ray and pharmacy. Anaesthetic fees are based on the complexity and length of your surgery, your health, and any special circumstances such as after-hours or emergency care.

Your anaesthetist uses fee guidelines from the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA), which reflect the time, skill, and resources needed for safe anaesthesia. Most health funds pay 25–40% of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommended rates for your anaesthetic care. This means the combined amount from Medicare and your health fund is often less than the anaesthetist’s fee, leaving a gap that you will need to pay. You will receive a written estimate before your procedure so you know the exact amount in advance.

If you would like more information for fasting, medications, risks or an estimate of your anaesthetic fees, click here or contact us on (02) 9553 1566