Two patients (one underwent balloon enteroscopy and the other had endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatoscopy, ERCP) developed desaturation in the post anesthetic care unit (PACU) despite
high oxygen supplement. Aspiration pneumonitis was suspected. The chest x-rays taken in PACU showed lung
infiltration in both cases and arterial blood gases revealed hypoxemia. During anesthesia, there were brief
episodes of choking, regurgitation, and desaturation, which were improved by giving high FiO2 and positive
pressure ventilation. The diagnosis and management of aspiration pneumonitis was discussed.

Keywords: Aspiration, Pneumonitis, Enteroscopy, Desaturation