[An Overview of Incidence and Outcome of Perioperative Pulmonary Aspiration].

Examination of the literature suggests that the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the perioperative period is relatively infrequent. Since Mendelson's report of aspiration pneumonitis in 1946, the factors that contribute to the likelihood of aspiration have been identified, and numerous attempts for preventions for regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration have been made. The low incidence of major morbidity of anesthesia-related pulmonary aspiration may be due to adopting quality measures, applying practice guidelines for preoperative fasting, and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. More systematic preoperative checking and more careful selection of patients are necessary when a supraglottic airway is used in preference to a tracheal tube. Second generation supraglottic airways may not reduce the risk of regurgitation, but may reduce the chance of aspiration if the mask position is correct and drain tube works well. Because the mortality and morbidity of aspiration pneumonia remain relatively high, the preoperative risk evaluation is very important to avoid regurgitation or aspiration.