Procedure prep
Fasting Before Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is keyhole surgery on the shoulder joint. It's commonly a day case done under general anesthesia, very often combined with a nerve block (an interscalene block) that keeps the arm comfortable for many hours afterward: so fasting still applies.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto): see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin, they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- GLP-1 (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro): tell your team. See the GLP-1 guide.
- Blood pressure medicines: confirm which to take with a sip of water and which to hold.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
- A skin infection or broken skin over the shoulder
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A written list of all your medicines and doses
- Any blood tests, ECG, or scans your team asked for
- Consent forms or referral letters, and allergy details
- Your shoulder MRI or X-ray reports
- A sling if you've been given one
- A responsible adult to drive you home
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have general anesthesia, spinal/regional, or sedation?
- Which medicines do I take or hold on the morning of surgery?
- When can I eat and drink afterward?
- Will I go home the same day, and who can drive me?
- Will I have an interscalene nerve block, and how long will my arm stay numb?
- How should I support my arm, and when do I start pain medicine?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them. Saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide, your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for shoulder arthroscopy?
Yes. It's keyhole day-case surgery but done under general anesthesia, so stop solids about 8 hours before and clear liquids about 2 hours before your arrival time.
What is the nerve block for shoulder surgery?
Many shoulder operations use an interscalene block. An injection near the neck that numbs the shoulder and arm for roughly 12–18 hours, giving excellent pain relief. Your arm will feel heavy and numb at first; keep it supported in the sling and protected.
When should I take pain medicine after the block?
Start your prescribed pain medicine before the block fully wears off (at the first tingling) so the pain doesn't return suddenly. Our nerve block wear-off timer estimates the window and lets you set an alarm.