Airway management in patients at high risk of aspiration

The inability to maintain a patent airway and aspiration of gastric contents remain the two major causes of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Aspiration can lead to significant morbidity, but it is fortunately an uncommon event and is more likely related to difficult airway management. Earlier recognition of patients at greater risk of aspiration is important so that airway management plans can allow adequate time for preparation of the patient, successful isolation of the airway, and avoidance of aspiration.