A Case of Gastric Contents Reflux Aspiration during General Anesthesia Induction in A Patient with Femoral Vein Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Abstract

Background: Aspiration of gastric contents during the induction of general anesthesia remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in anesthesia. We report an 18-year-old patient with a closed atrial septal defect who developed gastric content reflux aspiration and severe aspiration pneumonia despite abstaining from drinking and fasting for more than 12 hours. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect) had no previous history of gastroesophageal reflux. After fully abstaining from drinking and fasting (more than 12h), conventional anesthesia was induced, and after the patient’s spontaneous breathing and consciousness disappeared, the patient was assisted with mandibular support with both hands and mask pressure. The induction process was smooth. When preparing for intubation, a large amount of yellow fluid was found in the patient’s mouth. Intubation was performed immediately after suction. Aspiration pneumonia still occurs after the operation even if the patient is treated promptly. Conclusions: As the incidence of perioperative pulmonary aspiration is relatively low, precautions to prevent aspiration tend to be overlooked. We should be alert to the complications of gastric contents regurgitation aspiration in patients with sufficient abstention and fasting during general anesthesia intubation.