Fatal aspiration (Mendelson's) syndrome despite antacids and cricoid pressure.
Two patients died after inhalation of gastric contents during general anaesthesia for caesarean section. Both had received antacid therapy before surgery and their stomachs contained large volumes of fluid. Failure to empty the stomach preoperatively may have been a major contributory cause of these deaths.
D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying; D005750:Gastric Juice; D006801:Humans; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000150:complications