Evaluation of the Effect of Different Peep Values on Gastric Residual Volume and Pulmonary Aspiration Risk in Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery in Prone Position

Prone positioning in spinal surgery is a very important issue for anaesthetists. Although there are many conditions that are taken into consideration in patient follow-up, it is a position frequently used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases other than surgery. PEEP application in the prone position is especially used in the treatment of conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This treatment method basically aims to improve oxygenation and ventilation in the lungs. While providing improvement in the lungs, it may indirectly lead to some changes in the gastrointestinal system. Depending on PEEP levels, intra-abdominal pressure may increase and subsequently cause reflux of gastric contents or gastroparesis. The prone position itself also increases the risk of reflux. Gastric POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) is a noninvasive method that gives us information about the stomach contents and can be easily performed at the bedside. Both patient position and respiratory parameters, such as PEEP, may have an effect on gastric POCUS. Visualization of gastric content or detection of gastric retention allows us to predict possible pulmonary aspiration complications before extubation, and gastric POCUS may be a valuable marker before extubation in patients who remain in prone positions for a long time. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PEEP application on the antrum diameter evaluated by gastric POCUS and the risk of aspiration before extubation in patients undergoing spinal surgery in the prone position.