NPO is a medical term for "nothing but oral" also known as "by mouth". When undergoing anesthesia it is very important that your child follow the fasting guidelines established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. If your child does not follow NPO guidelines, their procedure will be postponed or canceled.

Your child cannot eat after midnight, because if their stomach is not empty, your child may vomit and some of their stomach contents may get into their lungs. Please ensure your child also avoids hard candy and chewing hum. If your child's surgery is late in the day, they may eat according to these guidelines.

• Clear Liquids (water/apple juice) - 3 hours before procedure
• Solid Foods (meats, fatty food, cereal, milk, grains) - 8 hours before procedure