Key Takeaways

About 4 out of 5 kids go without clear liquids far longer than necessary before surgeryInfants are liquid fasting four times longer than necessary and all children three times longerSuch fasting risks dehydration, anxiety, stress and poor recovery from surgery

TUESDAY, Oct. 14, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Most kids go without clear liquids at least three times longer than guidelines recommend prior to surgery, a new study says.

About 4 out of 5 children and infants (79%) are on liquid fasts far longer than necessary, risking dehydration and anxiety , researchers reported Sunday at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

Guidelines recommend children not drink anything within two hours of a procedure, to reduce the risk of liquid en

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