Q: How long do I fast before surgery?

A: For elective surgery, the most inclusive answer is to remain without liquids or solids after midnight the night before the procedure. There are many exceptions to this advice depending on the type of anesthetic, the time of the anesthetic, the patient’s pre-existing condition, the age of the patient and the type of food or drink taken by mouth.

Dr. Joseph Andris, D.O., is a board certified anesthesiologist. For the past nine years, he has been practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. He serves as director of the OR as well as assistant chief of anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente's San Rafael campus. Dr. Andris attended Villanova University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed residencies in both internal medicine and anesthesiology at West Virginia University, where he also taught as an assistant professor while practicing medicine. Send your questions to Joe@smartnow.com.