[Cricoid pressure a.m. Sellick in rapid sequence intubation?].

Since Brian Sellick introduced the cricoid pressure in 1961, it has become standard practice for the rapid sequence intubation. The manoeuvre has a high priority and is recommended maintained even during difficult intubation. In this review the lack of evidence for the aspiration-reducing effect of cricoid pressure is discussed. The findings suggest that it may have harmful effects in connection with intubation, laryngeal mask placement and ventilation. In conclusion, it is suggested that cricoid pressure is released in the case of intubation difficulties.