Quantitative Ultrasound Assessment of Gastric Volume in Pregnant Women at Term

Food residue in the stomach of patients scheduled to have surgery is considered a major risk factor for pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. The resulting respiratory compromise after aspiration is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The risk of pulmonary aspiration is especially important in pregnant women, as they may often require surgery without having observed appropriate fasting. A bedside ultrasound assessment of the status of the gastric content would be of great value for the clinician. This technique has recently been shown very promising in non-pregnant patients and it is important to study its feasibility in the pregnant population.

In this study, patients fast overnight and are randomized to the following groups: empty, or various volumes of fluid (50, 100, 200, 300 or 400mL of apple juice before scanning). Their gastric contents are then assessed by an anesthesiologist, using ultrasound. The investigators aim to evaluate a standardized quantitative ultrasound assessment of gastric volume in non-labouring pregnant women.

Inclusion criteria

• Volunteer non-labouring pregnant women at term (≥ 36 weeks)-
• 18 years or older
• ASA Physical Status I-III
• 50-120 kg of weight
• 150 cm of height or taller
• Ability to understand the rationale of the study assessments and to provide signed informed consent
• Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Known pre-existing abnormal anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract
• History of upper GI tract surgical procedure