Final answer:
Patients are asked to fast before surgery to prevent aspiration during general anesthesia when the body's reflexes are relaxed. Endotracheal intubation is used to keep the airway open, but an empty stomach is necessary to reduce risks further. Prophylactic antibiotics lower the chance of HAIs if given before surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients are generally instructed not to eat or drink for 6-8 hours prior to surgery to prevent aspiration. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents are expelled back up the esophagus and into the lungs, which can cause significant complications such as pneumonia or even affect the outcome of the surgery. During general anesthesia, the body's reflexes are relaxed, including those that control the closing of the esophagus, which increases the risk of aspiration. The muscles necessary for breathing and moving the tongue are affected under anesthesia, which can cause the tongue to relax and potentially block the airway. To manage this, endotracheal intubation is performed, ensuring the airway remains open and protected from any stomach contents that may be regurgitated. For safety, the stomach should be empty, hence the requirement for fasting before procedures requiring anesthesia.
Moreover, administering prophylactic antibiotics before surgery has been shown to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The relative risk reduction of getting an HAI is significant for those who receive antibiotics prior to surgery. Additionally, the body can endure periods without food, but a complete fast for several days to weeks would cause the body to undergo various metabolic changes as it starts to use fat and then muscle protein as energy, which can have numerous health consequences. Fasting before surgery is a short-term, controlled condition that is meant to ensure the highest safety during the medical procedure.