ABSTRACT
Pulmonary aspiration is the passage of foreign liquids or solids into the lower respiratory tract. The incidence of aspiration of gastric contents associated with anaesthesia is approximately 3 per 10000 anaesthetics; however, this complication is responsible for up to 20% of all anaesthetic-related deaths. Mortality associated with aspiration varies widely between 3.8 and 85%, depending on the aspirate (type and volume), the number of pulmonary lobes involved and the patient’s underlying clinical condition and treatment.
