Effect of cricoid pressure on gastro-oesophageal reflux in awake subjects.

Skinner, H J; Bedforth, N M; Girling, K J; Mahajan, R P · Anaesthesia · 1999

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether cricoid pressure is associated with a high risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Fifteen awake, fasted volunteers were studied. A cricoid pressure of 44 N was applied for 60 s by resting a padded yoke over the cricoid cartilage. Using continuous oesophageal pH monitoring, no volunteer had gastro-oesophageal reflux during cricoid pressure, although one subject had a reflux spike soon after relieving cricoid pressure. We conclude with 95% confidence that the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux during cricoid pressure is not more than 20%.

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