Pulmonary Aspiration Of Gastric Contents Research Articles

Relationship between residual gastric content and peri-operative semaglutide use assessed by gastric ultrasound: a prospective observational study.

Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist known to delay gastric emptying. Despite a growing body of evidence, its peri-operative safety profile remains uncertain, particularly with regard to the risk of increased residual gastric content and aspiration of gastric contents during anaesthesia. We hypothesised that semaglutide interruption of ≤ 10 days before elective surgical procedures is insufficient to reduce or normalise the residual gastric content, despite fasting intervals that comply with current guidelines. In this prospective observational study, we recruited patients who received pre-operative once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide within 10 days of the procedure (semaglutide group) and control patients who had not been exposed to semaglutide (non-semaglutide group). On the day of surgery, all patients underwent pre-operative point-of-care gastric ultrasound to evaluate their residual gastric content. Increased residual gastric content was defined as any solid content or > 1.5 ml.kg-1 of clear fluids as assessed by gastric ultrasound. We recruited 220 patients, 107 in the semaglutide group and 113 in the non-semaglutide group. Increased residual gastric content was found in 43/107 patients (40%) in the semaglutide group and 3/113 (3%) in the non-semaglutide group (p < 0.001). In propensity-weighted analysis, semaglutide use (OR 36.97, 95%CI 16.54-99.32), age (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.93-0.98) and male sex (OR 2.28, 95%CI 1.29-4.06) were significantly associated with increased residual gastric content. There were no cases of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Pre-operative semaglutide use within 10 days of elective surgical procedures was independently associated with increased risk of residual gastric content on pre-operative gastric ultrasound assessment.

Gastric Volume and Antral Area in the Fasting State: A Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data.

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric content is a serious anesthetic complication. Gastric point-of-care ultrasound can determine the type and volume of gastric content when clinical information is equivocal. However, a cutoff value of either antral cross-sectional area or volume that may be considered as the upper limit of normal in fasting subjects is still controversial. The aim of this study is to characterize the distribution of baseline antral area and volume in fasting adult subjects and to identify an upper limit (95th percentile) of these distributions. The authors conducted a meta-analysis of individual participant data of primary studies from an academic research network of investigators collaborating in gastric ultrasound. Studies between January 2009 and December 2020 were included. Twelve primary studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis with a sample size of 1,203 subjects. The 95th percentile of area values (measured in the right lateral decubitus) was 9.9 cm2 (95% CI, 9.4 to 10.4), and of volume, 2.3 ml/kg (95% CI, 2.3 to 2.4). In addition, an antrum grade 0 or 1 indicates a 98% probability of an antral area below the 95th percentile. An area of 10 cm2 measured in the right lateral decubitus could be a simple, data-driven upper limit of antral area that could serve as a surrogate of upper limit of normal gastric volume values in fasting adults. These results are limited by the highly selected sampling of the studies included.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists During Electroconvulsive Therapy: Case Report With Evolving Concerns and Management Considerations.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are an emerging class of medications transforming the management of diabetes mellitus and obesity, two highly prevalent and chronic medical conditions associated with significant morbidity and posing serious public health concerns. Although generally well tolerated and relatively safe to use, case reports of patients taking these medications while undergoing elective procedures with general anesthesia describe a potential heightened risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, deriving from the delayed gastric emptying effect of these agents. Based on increased recognition of this risk, the American Society of Anesthesiologists convened a task force to review available data, resulting in the promulgation of a new procedural management guideline for patients on these drugs and undergoing elective procedures with general anesthesia. However, this guideline pertains mostly to procedures and situations that are distinct from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This case report describes the experience of a patient on semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for obesity, undergoing ECT, provides a general overview of this novel drug class, identifies issues specific to ECT management, and suggests potential adaptations to patient care over different phases of ECT practice.

The relationship between gastric ultrasound findings and endoscopically aspirated volume in infants and determining the antral cutoff value for empty stomach diagnosis.

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric content is a serious perioperative complication. The objective of this prospective study was to assess the relationship between the gastric volumes suctioned endoscopically and quantitative (antral cross-section area) and qualitative (empty vs. nonempty) examination of the gastric antrum. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine the best antral cross-section area cutoff value for a truly empty antrum in infants. This study was performed in a pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. Antral sonography was performed in supine and right lateral decubitus positions in 46 fasted infants prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation. Antral cross-sectional area measurements in both positions and qualitative evaluation of the antrum (according to a three-point grading system) were recorded. Gastric contents were endoscopically suctioned and measured. Forty-six patients (aged under 24 months) were included. According to the three-point qualitative grading system, 76.1% of patients were classified as grade 0. The best cutoff value for the antral cross-section area in the right lateral decubitus position, indicating an empty antrum, was determined to be 2.40 cm2. At this specific cutoff value, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 68.6%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. Gastric ultrasonography can confirm an empty or nearly empty stomach in healthy infants.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gastric Content and Volume in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.

Anesthesia-related complications, such as pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, occur in approximately 0.02-0.1% of elective pediatric surgeries. Aspiration risk can be reliably assessed by ultrasound examination of the gastric antrum, making it an essential non-invasive bedside tool. In this prospective observational study, since most of our patients are immigrants and have communication problems, we wanted to investigate gastric contents and the occurrence of "high risk stomach" in children undergoing elective surgery for the possibility of pulmonary aspiration, even if the children and/or parents reported their last oral intake time. This risk is defined by ultrasound findings of solid content in the antrum and/or a calculated gastric volume exceeding 1.25 mL/kg. Children aged 2-18 were included in the study. Both supine and right lateral decubitus (RLD) ultrasound examinations were performed on the antrum before surgery. Using a qualitative grading scale from 0 to 2, we evaluated the gastric fluid content. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the antrum was measured in the RLD position, aiding the calculation of the gastric fluid volume according to an established formula by Perlas. Ultrasound measurements of 97 children were evaluated. The median fasting duration was 4 h for liquids and 9 h for thick liquids and solids. Solid content was absent in all the children. Five children (5.2%) exhibited a grade 2 antrum, implying that fluid content was visible in both the supine and RLD positions. The median antral CSA in the RLD was 2.36 cm2, with a median gastric volume of 0.46 mL/kg. For patients with a grade 0 antrum, a moderate and positive correlation was observed between the antral CSA and BMI, and a strong and positive correlation was evident between the antral CSA and age, similar to a grade 1 antrum. Only a single child (1%) had a potentially elevated risk of aspiration of gastric contents. Hence, the occurrence of a "high risk stomach" was 1% (95% confidence interval: 0.1-4.7%) and is consistent with the literature. As a necessary precaution, we propose the regular use of ultrasound evaluations of gastric contents, given their non-invasive, bedside-friendly, and straightforward implementation, for identifying risks when fasting times are uncertain and for ruling out unknown risk factors in each potential patient.

Efficacy of metoclopramide for prevention of gastric regurgitation during endotracheal intubation in the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial.

Gastric content regurgitation and aspiration are the dreaded complications of securing the airway. Cricoid pressure hinders intubation and causes lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. A recent study suggests no added benefit of cricoid pressure in preventing pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Metoclopramide increases LES tone, prevents gastroesophageal reflux, and increases antral contractions. Hence, we wanted to study the efficacy of metoclopramide for preventing gastric regurgitation during endotracheal intubation (ETI) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). This study was a randomized controlled trial in patients requiring ETI in the ED. The study participants were randomized to receive either metoclopramide (intervention) 10 mg/2 ml intravenous (IV) bolus or a placebo of normal saline (placebo) 2 ml IV bolus 5 min before rapid sequence induction and intubation. The outcome of the study was the visualization of gastric regurgitation at the glottic opening during direct laryngoscopy at the time of intubation. Seventy-four study participants were randomized and allocated to the metoclopramide group (n = 37) or placebo group (n = 37). Gastric regurgitation at the glottis was noted in three study participants (8%) in the metoclopramide group, and six (16%) in the placebo group (odds ratio [OR] - 0.456; 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.105-1.981; P = 0.295). The study participants who were intubated in the first attempt had less gastric regurgitation compared to ≥2 attempts (OR 0.031; 95% CI of 0.002-0.511; P = 0.015). There was no decrease in regurgitation with metoclopramide as compared to placebo during ETI in study participants presenting to the ED.

A Comparative Study of Fasting Gastric Volume in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries Using Ultrasonography: A Prospective Observational Study.

Gastric ultrasound can be used to evaluate the residual gastric volume (GV) and contents before anesthetizing a patient. Autonomic gastropathy in patients with diabetes increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the fasting GV among diabeticsand healthy individuals using point-of-care (POC) ultrasonography. This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between January 2021 and February 2022. A total of 122 patients included in the study were divided into two groups: group D (n = 61) patients had a history of diabetes mellitus and group C (n = 61) patients were non-diabetics (control).Gastric ultrasound was performed in supine and right lateral decubitus (RLD) positions. The following parameters were measured: duration of fasting, craniocaudal (CC) diameter, anteroposterior (AP) diameter, cross-sectional area (CSA), and GVusing CC and AP diameters. The mean age of the participants was found to be 46.60 ± 13.77 years with 51.6% femalepatients and 48.4% male patients. Among the patients, there was a significantly higher mean level of CC diameter, AP diameter, and CSA in the supine position in diabetics compared to controls(p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a significantly higher mean level of CC diameter, AP diameter, and CSA in the RLD position in diabetics compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05). The GV was significantly higher in diabetics (9.96 ± 14.520) compared to healthy individuals (-8.991 ± 20.95; p < 0.05). Fasting GV assessed using POC ultrasonography in diabetic individuals was higher when compared to non-diabetics after similar periods of fasting.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Gastric Volume in Fasted Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Under Sedation.

In this prospective observational study, an ultrasonographic measurement of antral cross-sectional area (ACSA) was conducted to evaluate the gastric content and volume as well as to identify high-risk stomach in non-pregnant adult surgical patients adhering to preanesthetic fasting guidelines. Fasted patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy under sedation were included. Ultrasonographic measurements of ACSA were conducted in both semi-recumbent and right lateral decubitus positions before endoscopic procedures. Gastroscopy was employed to guide the measurement of suctioned gastric volume (GV). Ultrasonography was performed to assess gastric contents and identify patients with high-risk stomach. The relationship between ACSA and suctioned GV was also evaluated. ACSA was evaluated in 736 out of 782 patients. A significant positive correlation was discovered between ACSA in the right lateral decubitus position and suctioned GV, which was more reliable than in the semi-recumbent position. To analyze high-risk stomach with a GV > 100 mL, the cutoff value of ACSA in the right lateral decubitus was found to be 7.5 cm2, with the AUC, sensitivity and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76-0.82; P<0.001), 82.4% and 67.3%, respectively. A novel mathematical model based on ACSA to estimate GV in non-pregnant fasted adults was presented. Ultrasonographic measurement of ACSA can assist anesthesiologists in estimating the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia and sedation.

PREOPERATIVE FASTING AMOUNTING TO DEHYDRATION IN PEDIATRICS AGE GROUP- AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Pre-preoperative fasting, a universally practiced principle in elective cases helps to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Prolonged fasting for 8-10 hours has been practiced at various places to avoid complications like Mendelson's Syndrome and Aspiration Pneumonia. However, prolonged fasting may be an unpleasant experience causing distress, irritability, dehydration and hypoglycemia especially in pediatric patients. Studies have reported many children end up fasting for up to 12 or 15 hours inspite of recommended 6-4-2 guidelines, leading to side-effects like, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, dehydration.In this study, we tried to acertain the dehydration status due to various reasons and also suggested a solution for the same. To assess the Aims dehydration status of pediatric patient based on clinical dehydration scale. (1) T Objectives: o asses the complaints of paient suggesting dehydration on well designed proforma.(2) To asses amount of dehydartion according to dryness of mucous membranes by using nger print impression This randomised trial was conducted on 100 NBM paediatric patients Materials And Methods: in age group of 0-14 yrs at Dr. D.Y.Patil Medical College ,Pune. Time at which the patient was wheeled into operation theater, duration of preoperative fasting was noted ,calculated, analyzed and compared. The tongue was assessed to nd the degree of hydration with help of nger impression from moist tongue on parchment paper and scoring was given as follows: Scoring:5- almost full nger impression,3- half nger impression and 1-No nger impression. The nger impression test was, No impression (score=1) in 40 patient Result: s, half nger impression (score=3) in 37 patients and almost full nger impression (score =5) in 23 patients. Fasting time for pe Conclusion: diatric patients in our study were typically far longer than current guidelines. This can be attributed to surgery timings of previous patients inside the theatre leading to prolonged fasting time.

Neonates undergoing pyloric stenosis repair are at increased risk of difficult airway management: secondary analysis of the NEonate and Children audiT of Anaesthesia pRactice IN Europe

BackgroundHypertrophic pyloric stenosis in otherwise healthy neonates frequently requires urgent surgical procedure but anaesthesia care may result in respiratory complications, such as hypoxaemia, pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, and postoperative apnoea. The primary aim was to study whether or not the incidence of difficult airway management and of hypoxaemia in neonates undergoing pyloric stenosis repair was higher than that in neonates undergoing other surgeries. MethodsData on neonates and infants undergoing anaesthesia and surgery for pyloric stenosis were extracted from the NEonate and Children audiT of Anesthesia pRactice In Europe (NECTARINE) database, for secondary analysis. ResultsWe identified 310 infants who had anaesthesia for surgery for pyloric stenosis. Difficult airway management (more than two attempts at laryngoscopy) was higher in children with pyloric stenosis when compared with the entire NECTARINE cohort (7.9% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 5.22–11.53] vs 4.4% [95% CI, 1.99–6.58]; relative risk [RR]=1.81 [95% CI, 1.21–2.69]; P=0.004), whereas transient hypoxaemia with oxygen saturation <90% was comparable between the two cohorts. Postoperative complications occurred in 16 children (5.6%) within the 30-day follow-up. No mortality was reported at 30 and 90 days. ConclusionsChildren undergoing surgery for pyloric stenosis had a higher incidence of difficult intubation compared with the entire NECTARINE cohort. Clinical trial registrationNCT 02350348.

Naloxone-associated pulmonary edema following recreational opioid overdose.

Describe a series of patients who developed naloxone-associated pulmonary edema after recreational opioid use. Single center retrospective case series of patients who developed pulmonary edema following the prehospital administration of naloxone. Academic, urban safety-net hospital. Adults with recreational opioid overdose who developed naloxone-associated pulmonary edema, defined as the acute onset of respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and radiographic pulmonary edema after naloxone administration for opioid intoxication, provided that gas exchange and chest imaging rapidly improved and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents was not clinically suspected. Ten adults (median age 23years, 90% male) met our case definition for naloxone-associated pulmonary edema. Implicated opioids were heroin in 8 patients and methadone and oxycodone in 1 patient each. The median total dose of naloxone was 4.25mg (interquartile range [IQR] 3.3-9.8) prior to the onset of clinically-apparent pulmonary edema. Seven patients received invasive mechanical ventilation for a median of two days (IQR 0.8-5), one of whom received veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and all survived to hospital discharge. Severe acute pulmonary edema may follow naloxone administration after recreational opioid overdose. Acute care clinicians should be aware of this potentially life-threatening adverse effect of naloxone.

Assessing gastric contents in children before general anesthesia for acute extremity fracture: An ultrasound observational cohort study

Study objectiveChildren with acute extremity fractures are commonly considered to be at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during the induction of anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of such children with high-risk gastric contents using preoperative gastric ultrasound. DesignProspective observational cohort study. SettingSpecialist pediatric center over a 30-month period. PatientsChildren undergoing surgery within 24 h of an acute extremity fracture. InterventionsNone. MeasurementsAccording to preoperative qualitative and quantitative ultrasound analysis of the antrum in the supine and right lateral decubitus positions, gastric contents were classified as high-risk (clear liquid with calculated gastric fluid volume > 0.8 mL.kg−1, thick liquid, or solid) or low-risk. Factors associated with high-risk gastric contents were identified by multivariable analysis. Main resultsForty-one children (37%; 95% CI: 28–47) of the 110 studied (mean(SD) age: 10(3) years) presented with high-risk gastric contents, including 26 (24%; 95% CI: 16–33) with solids/thick liquid contents. Scanning in the supine position alone allowed a diagnosis of high-risk gastric contents in 23 children out of the 63 for whom right lateral decubitus positioning was unfeasible. Gastric contents remained undetermined in 41 children, including one with a non-contributory gastric US (antrum non-visualized). Proximal limb fractures (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0–6.2), preoperative administration of opioids (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1–13), and the absence of bowel sounds (OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 1.4–44) were associated with high-risk gastric contents. Performing surgery the day following the trauma was a protective factor (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.0–0.6). No cases of pulmonary aspiration occurred. ConclusionsAt least one-third of children with an acute isolated extremity fracture had preoperative gastric contents identified as high risk for pulmonary aspiration. Although preoperative history can guide anesthetic strategy in this population, ultrasound allowed clear stratification of the risk of aspiration in most cases.

Pre-induction Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gastric Residual Volume in Elective Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgeries.

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during elective surgery remains a major cause of airway-related mortality and morbidity. The preoperative fasting times for solids and liquids have been standardized across various anesthesia society guidelines. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines now advocate liberal clear fluid intake with carbohydrate loading up to 2h preoperatively. The aim of the study was to assess whether practicing both ASA fasting guidelines and ERAS protocol makes the patients prone to a full stomach. The supine position standard curvilinear ultrasound probe (2-5MHz) with Sonosite M-Turbo ©system was used to obtain the images. Gastric residual volume (GRV) was derived from the cross-sectional area (CSA) using the Perlas and colleagues model. A total of 102 patients were recruited and analyzed. The mean age and BMI were 50.65years ± 13.35years and 22.23kg/m2 ± 3.7kg/m2, respectively. A total of four patients (3.92%) had gastric volume > 1.5ml/kg; out of these four patients, three were female and one was male. We did not observe any case of pulmonary aspiration in any of our patients. In conclusion, even though for elective surgeries, the current fasting guidelines are adequate, these findings cannot be extrapolated to patients with risk factors for high gastric residual volume where further studies need to be performed.

A Review of Current Literature of Interest to the Office-Based Anesthesiologist.

A Review of Current Literature of Interest to the Office-Based Anesthesiologist.

Using gastric ultrasound to assess gastric content in the pregnant patient

Perioperative pulmonary aspiration of gastric content can lead to prolonged tracheal intubation, hospitalisation, aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia.1 Unfortunately, the risk of aspiration is often estimated by fasting time, not accounting for comorbidities that affect gastric emptying, such as labour. Bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of gastric content is a validated tool that allows the anaesthetist to assess the qualitative and quantitative content of the stomach.2 This technique has been used and validated in pregnant women to define the cut-off values for the risk of aspiration.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Efficacy of Baska mask as an alternative airway device to endotracheal tube in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries under controlled ventilation.

Background and Aims:Newer supraglottic devices with an additional gastric channel offer greater protection from aspiration and avoidance of laryngoscopy for their insertion would result in attenuated hemodynamic responses.The primary objective was to assess hemodynamic responses to insertion of Baska mask as compared to tracheal intubation. The time and attempts taken to secure airway and evidence of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents were also assessed.Material and Methods:This prospective, randomized study was conducted in 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All patients received standardized anaesthesia protocol. Baska mask was used to secure airway in Group B, while tracheal intubation was done in group T. Methylene blue was injected through Ryle's tube into stomach in both groups. At end of surgery, fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed to detect bluish staining of trachea and/or main bronchi as evidence of aspiration of gastric contents and bluish staining in oropharynx as evidence of regurgitation. Chi-square test and Independent sample t-test were applied.Results:The time taken to secure airway was significantly longer in Group B as compared to Group T (45.3 ± 12.6 vs. 24.3 ± 9.1 sec) Percentage of patients who had oropharyngeal blue stain was comparable in both groups. No patient in both groups had tracheal blue stain. Group T had significantly higher HR and MAP after intubation till 10 min later.Conclusion:Baska mask insertion was associated with attenuated hemodynamic responses, though more time and attempts were required for securing the airway. It could be considered as an alternative to tracheal intubation during laparoscopic surgeries.

Assessment of remifentanil for rapid sequence induction and intubation in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents compared to rapid-onset paralytic agents: study protocol for a non-inferiority simple blind randomized controlled trial (the REMICRUSH study)

BackgroundRapid-onset paralytic agents are recommended to achieve muscle relaxation and facilitate tracheal intubation during rapid sequence induction in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. However, opioids are frequently used in this setting. The study’s objective is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of remifentanil compared to rapid-onset paralytic agents, in association with an hypnotic drug, for tracheal intubation in patients undergoing procedure under general anesthesia and at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents.MethodsThe REMICRUSH (Remifentanil for Rapid Sequence Induction of Anaesthesia) study is a multicenter, single-blinded, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing remifentanil (3 to 4 μg/kg) with rapid-onset paralytic agents (succinylcholine or rocuronium 1 mg/kg) for rapid sequence induction in 1150 adult surgical patients requiring tracheal intubation during general anesthesia. Enrolment started in October 2019 in 15 French anesthesia units. The expected date of the final follow-up is October 2021. The primary outcome is the proportion of successful tracheal intubation without major complications. A non-inferiority margin of 7% was chosen. Analyses of the intent-to-treat and per-protocol populations are planned.DiscussionThe REMICRUSH trial protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of The Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Ouest et Outre-Mer II and will be carried out according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. The REMICRUSH trial is the first randomized controlled trial powered to investigate whether remifentanil with hypnotics is non-inferior to rapid-onset paralytic agents with hypnotic in rapid sequence induction of anesthesia for full stomach patients considering successful tracheal intubation without major complication.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03960801. Registered on May 23, 2019.

Determination of a safe time and safe protocol for oral hydration in pediatric patients following general anesthesia

Background: The study was aimed to evaluate the safe time and safe protocol for postoperative resumption of oral hydration in pediatric patients undergoing elective nonabdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Methodology: One hundred and sixty patients (of age 6 months to 12 years) were assigned into two groups. The assessment of level of consciousness, protection of the airway (coughing and swallowing), absence of nausea and vomiting, and normal saturation were used as the safety criteria for start of postoperative oral hydration in both groups. Clear fluids in dose of 0.5–1 ml/kg were offered to them after completing 4th and 1st h of recovery in standard and experimental group, respectively. Next hour onward clear fluids was given as per the need of patients. Safety profile, safety protocol, and parental/patient satisfaction with early and delayed oral hydration were recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 20:0 and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistical insignificant difference was found with age, sex, weight, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists status, duration of surgery, type of surgery, type of anesthesia, fasting time, time from last intake of liquid and solid preoperatively in both the groups. None of the patients enrolled in the study experienced desaturation, moderate sedation, regurgitation, or pulmonary aspiration of gastric content. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 7.5% and 3.75% in the standard and experimental group, respectively. Mean total volume of oral hydrating solution was 140.82 ml and 123.56 ml in standard and experimental group, respectively. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was observed in parental/pediatric patient satisfaction score among two groups. Significantly shorter time to oral hydration in experimental group (71.44 min) than standard group (244.44 min) was as expected. Conclusion: Early postoperative oral hydration with clear liquid is safe and highly satisfying for parents and patients following elective nonabdominal surgery.

Cricoid pressure controversies

Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is a common technique used in clinical anaesthesia to prevent pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Sellick introduced this in 1961. However, scientific validation to show the advantage of this technique in preventing aspiration is limited in literature. Numerous researches have shown that cricoid pressure (CP) application might have no benefit in preventing aspiration. Additionally this could lead to problems in securing the airway. Proper teaching and regular training sessions of this technique are mandatory in routine anaesthesia practice.