Vomiting and aspiration pneumonitis with the laryngeal mask airway

Abstract

We report a case of severe aspiration pneumonitis in the dependent lung of a 74-yr-old man following Austin-Moore arthroplasty. A laryngeal mask airway provided a clear airway until anaesthesia became too light during manipulation of the fractured femoral head. Active vomiting occurred and gastric contents were "reflected" back into the trachea. Tracheal intubation and suction were immediately performed but the patient required postoperative ventilatory and inotropic support for three days. © 1992 Canadian Anesthesiologists.