When Vomit Gets in the Way: Aspiration Resulting in Death During Endoscopy Timothy Do, BS and Fiona J Scott, MD, MPH, MS, MHI | February 28, 2024

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/web-mm/when-vomit-gets-way-aspiration-resulting-death-during-endoscopy In this WebM&M Case, a 32-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). As the endoscope was advanced into the stomach, the patient vomited. She was immediately turned supine but copious vomitus obstructed the suction catheter. The patient started to decompensate with decreasing oxygen saturation. The anesthesia team attempted to secure the airway by endotracheal intubation but was unable to place a tube due to poor view and vomitus. The patient went into cardiac arrest and ultimately passed away. The commentary discusses safety considerations for ERCP under MAC, weighing the risks and benefits of MAC versus general anesthesia, and airway management during emergencies.