Ultrasound measurement of antral cross-sectional area to predict regurgitation during general anesthesia for cesarean section in laboring women: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors' conclusion
Antral cross-sectional area ≥487.7 mm2 accurately predicts occult regurgitation in urgent cesarean section under general anesthesia.
Study context
- Population
- Parturients undergoing urgent cesarean section under GA (rapid sequence induction; sevoflurane and nitrous oxide)
- Participants
- 80 participants
- Exposure
- Antral cross-sectional area for predicting regurgitation
- Outcome
- Regurgitation (overt or occult, detected by mid-esophageal pH monitoring until 10 min after extubation)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prediction of regurgitation by antral cross-sectional area
| Group | Optimal cut-off | AUC |
|---|---|---|
| Antral cross-sectional area | 487.7 mm² | 0.876 (95% CI 0.80-0.95) |
Antral cross-sectional area
Optimal cut-off487.7 mm²
AUC0.876 (95% CI 0.80-0.95)
- Regurgitation observed
- 34 (1 overt, 33 occult)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Independent risk factors for regurgitation (multivariable logistic regression)
- Besides cross-sectional area: interval from last clear fluid intake to surgery and last oral intake after labor onset
Safety
- No cases of clinically significant aspiration
Original publication
Ultrasound measurement of antral cross-sectional area to predict regurgitation during general anesthesia for cesarean section in laboring women: a prospective observational cohort study. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. Published 16 February 2026. doi:10.
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