[Does chewing gum have consequences for anesthesia? A case report]

Chewing gum is a common habit. Based on two cases of esophageal obstruction during induction of general anesthesia, the importance of chewing gum for anesthesiology is outlined. The dangers of chewing gum result from obstruction of the trachea and oesophagus but complications may also result from stimulated production of gastric juice with a risk of consecutive regurgitation and aspiration. In the case of an obstacle in the oesophagus when inserting a nasogastric tube, an obstruction by a mass of chewing gum should be considered. Although the literature provides differing statements concerning the volume and acidity of gastric juice after chewing gum, the use of chewing gum should be included in preanesthetic NPO rules.