The prevention and treatment of aspiration of vomitus during pharmacosedation and general anesthesia.

The aspiration of gastric contents can occur in patients with a depressed level of consciousness. Pulmonary aspiration is a serious potential complication of pharmacosedation and general anesthesia. Sequelae associated with aspiration include pulmonary obstruction, chemical pneumonitis, secondary infection, and possibly death. Morbidity following aspiration is enhanced with an increased volume of aspirate, a more acidic pH, a high particle content, and bacterial contamination. Treatment of aspiration is dependent on the nature of the aspirate. Identifying aspiration-susceptible patients, employing preventive measures, and using careful anesthetic technique can effectively reduce the risk of aspiration.