Measurement of the volume and pH of gastric contents using blind gastric aspiration

ABSTRACT

The volume and pH of the gastric contents was analyzed, using blind gastric aspiration, in 40 patients. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients undergoing elective Caesarian Section and group 2 consisted of 20 elective general surgical and gynaecological patients. The volume aspirated was 20.9ml +/- 12.03ml [mean +/- sd] in group 1 and 27.8 +/- 15.83 ml [mean +/- sd] in group 2. Volume ml/kg body weight was 0.31 +/- 0.18 ml/kg in group 1 and 0.45 +/- 0.28 ml/kg in group 2. pH was 3.11 +/- 1.17 in group 1 and 3.31 +/- 1.68 in group 2. There was no difference in the volume, volume per kg. Body weight or pH of the gastric contents between the two groups. We conclude that there is no difference in the volume or pH of the gastric contents between obstetric patients during labour and non obstetric patients