Cricoid compression is effective in obliterating the esophageal lumen in the presence of a nasogastric tube

Abstract

Cricoid pressure from the moment of loss of consciousness will obliterate the esophageal lumen around the tube. If a rise in the intragastric pressure occurs during induction of anesthesia, an unoccluded nasogastric tube will act as a 'blow-off' valve, while cricoid pressure will prevent gastric contents from reaching the pharynx.