Aspiration of foreign materials in children while under general anesthesia for dental extractions

Airway aspiration of foreign materials in children and adults is probably more common than has been supposed. This study investigated the possibility of such aspiration in children while under general anesthesia for dental extractions. A radiopaque fluid was used to coat the oral tissues and showed that a significant number of children did aspirate material into the trachea, bronchi, and occasionally even lung tissue. The notion that safety may be improved by operating with the patient in the supine position was not confirmed. While careful placement of an oropharyngeal pack may prevent solid material from entering the trachea and bronchi, it should be realized that fluids such as blood, saliva, and pus could still contaminate the airway.