Comparison of preoperative gastric con- tent and risk factors in elective and intrapartum Cesarean delivery

and LLP positions were 98.7 ± 1.2, 98.2 ± 1.4, and 95.8 ± 2.4%, respectively. SpO2 in the LLP position was significantly lower than in the other two positions (P < 0.05; Figure). Body weight and body mass index (BMI) of the low group (59.8 ± 10.8 kg, 24.2 ± 4.2 kg·min–2) were significantly greater than those of the high group (52.7 ± 7.0 kg, 21.5 ± 2.3 kg·min–2; P < 0.05). There were weak negative correlations between the lowest SpO2 and body weight or BMI. Every patient whose BMI was more than 27 belonged to the low group. There was no significant difference between the low and high groups in age, gender, or ASA physical status. Oxygen administration increased SpO2 from 94.3 ± 1.9 to 97.1 ± 1.6 in the low group. No patient complained of discomfort or dyspnea during the two SpO2 measurements. The decrease in functional residual capacity as the subject changes from the seated to the supine position is more remarkable in obese than normal patients.3 Obesity is also considered an important risk factor for SpO2 decrease in the LLP position. It was concluded that the LLP position decreases SpO2 and that the administration of oxygen (3 L·min–1) prevents it.