Full Stomach Considerations

On this page

Full Stomach: Risks & Recognition - Tummy Trouble Timebomb

  • Definition: Presence of gastric contents posing aspiration risk.
    • Solids <6-8h, clear fluids <2h prior to anesthesia.
    • Delayed emptying: trauma, pain, opioids, pregnancy, diabetes, GERD.
  • Primary Risk: Pulmonary aspiration.
    • Leads to: pneumonitis (chemical), pneumonia (bacterial).
    • ↑ Morbidity & mortality.
  • Recognition:
    • History: Last oral intake (LOI).
    • Clinical: Nausea, vomiting, distension.
    • Gastric ultrasound (POCUS).
  • Emergency Context: Always assume full stomach in emergencies.

    ⭐ Gastric POCUS (Perlas Grade 0, 1, 2) helps assess aspiration risk.

Pre-Anesthetic Assessment & Prep - Stomach Safeguards

  • Assessment:
    • History: Last meal (nature, timing), GERD symptoms, gastroparesis.
    • Conditions delaying gastric emptying: Diabetes, trauma, pain, opioids, pregnancy, obesity, ↑ICP, bowel obstruction.
  • Pharmacological Safeguards (Administer ASAP):
    • Reduce acidity:
      • Non-particulate antacid: Sodium Citrate $0.3M$ 15-30ml orally (immediate action).
      • H2-receptor antagonist: Ranitidine 50mg IV (onset 30-60 min), Famotidine 20mg IV.
      • Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI): Pantoprazole 40mg IV (onset ~60 min).
    • Promote emptying (if no obstruction):
      • Prokinetic: Metoclopramide 10mg IV (onset 15-30 min). ⚠️ Caution: bowel obstruction, Parkinson's.
  • Non-Pharmacological:
    • Consider NGT/OGT for gastric decompression (balance risk/benefit).

⭐ Sodium citrate is preferred for immediate gastric fluid pH elevation as it's non-particulate and acts on contact, unlike H2 blockers or PPIs which require absorption and time for systemic effect on acid production.

Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) - Airway Express Lane

Gold standard for airway in full stomach; minimizes aspiration risk. Near-simultaneous sedative & neuromuscular blocker. No Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) before intubation.

Key Principles & Steps:

  • Preparation (SOAP ME 📌): Suction, O₂, Airway, Pharmacy, Monitors, Emergency equip.
  • Preoxygenation: 3-5 min 100% O₂ or 8 Vital Capacity breaths.
  • Pre-treatment (Optional 📌): Consider Lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg), Fentanyl (1-2 mcg/kg), Atropine (peds with Sux). Defasciculating dose for Sux.
  • Paralysis with Induction:
    • Induction: Propofol 1.5-2.5, Etomidate 0.2-0.3, Ketamine 1-2 mg/kg.
    • Paralytic: Suxamethonium 1-1.5, Rocuronium 0.9-1.2 mg/kg.
  • Protection & Positioning: Cricoid pressure (~30N post-LOC). Sniffing position.
  • Placement & Proof: Intubate, confirm (EtCO₂, auscultation).
  • Post-intubation: Secure ETT, ventilate.

⭐ Etomidate (0.2-0.3 mg/kg) is favored for induction in RSI for trauma or hemodynamically unstable patients due to its cardiovascular stability.

Tracheal Intubation Diagram

Extubation & Post-Op Care - Safe Wake-Up Call

  • Extubation (Full Stomach):
    • Fully awake, alert, commands obeyed.
    • Intact airway reflexes (cough, gag).
    • Adequate respiration: TV > 5 ml/kg, RR 12-25/min, NIF < -20 cm H₂O.
    • SpO₂ > 95% (FiO₂ ≤ 0.4). TOF ratio > 0.9.
  • Post-Op:
    • Semi-Fowler's/lateral position.
    • Monitor for aspiration. Antiemetics.

⭐ Awake extubation is standard for full stomach patients to reduce aspiration risk.

Aspiration: Management Protocol - Damage Control Mode

  • Key Goals: Prevent further soilage, maintain oxygenation.
  • Immediate Steps:
    • Position: Head down, lateral.
    • Suction: Oropharynx & trachea.
    • Airway: Intubate, 100% O2, PEEP.
  • Consider: Bronchoscopy for solids.
  • Avoid: Routine prophylactic antibiotics/steroids.

⭐ Aspiration pneumonitis is a chemical lung injury; antibiotics for later infection signs.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Aspiration pneumonitis is the primary concern with a full stomach in emergency surgery.
  • Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) is the cornerstone of airway management to minimize aspiration risk.
  • Cricoid pressure (Sellick's maneuver), though controversial, is often applied until ETT cuff inflation.
  • Thorough pre-oxygenation (denitrogenation) is vital to extend safe apnea time during intubation.
  • Avoid or minimize positive pressure ventilation (PPV) via mask before securing the airway.
  • Consider awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) for anticipated difficult airway with a full stomach.
  • Ensure patient is fully awake with intact protective airway reflexes before extubation post-surgery.

Practice Questions: Full Stomach Considerations

Test your understanding with these related questions

Mendelsons syndrome is:

1 of 5

Flashcards: Full Stomach Considerations

1/3

In a cardiac arrest patient, if an intravenous access cannot be made, _____ is the next best way to administer epinephrine

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

In a cardiac arrest patient, if an intravenous access cannot be made, _____ is the next best way to administer epinephrine

intraosseus

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial