Cricoid pressure: Where do we stand?

In 1961, Sellick popularized the technique of cricoid pressure (CP) to prevent regurgitation of gastric contents during anesthesia induction. In the last two decades, clinicians have begun to question the efficacy of CP and therefore the necessity of this maneuver. Some have suggested abandoning it on the grounds that this maneuver is unreliable in producing midline esophageal compression. Moreover, it has been found that application of CP makes tracheal intubation and mask ventilation difficult and induces relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. There have also been reports of regurgitation of gastric contents and aspiration despite CP. Further, its effectiveness has been demonstrated only in cadavers; therefore, its efficacy lacks scientific validation. These concerns with the use of CP in modern anesthesia practice have been briefly reviewed in this article.