Abstract
The i-gel supraglottic airway is a second generation supraglottic device, which is used for securing the airway in the operating room and in emergency scenarios. Its functionality and reliability have been proven in many studies.
Aspiration of gastric contents is one of the serious complications which are associated with the use of supraglottic airway devices. The incidence of clinically significant aspiration of gastric contents is low and is estimated to be 0.01-0.02%.
This article describes three cases of aspiration of gastric contents during the use of the i-gel during general anaesthesia. Obesity probably contributed to aspiration in one patient while in the other cases, impaired gastric emptying and pathological changes in the abdominal cavity were perhaps the cause.
All three cases were treated with targeted suction using a flexible bronchoscope. Patients were discharged without further lung injury.