Solid food or fluid residue in the stomach is always a major concern when patients need medical procedures under sedation or general anesthesia, due to the high risk of pulmonary aspiration of the stomach contents. This is especially important in emergency procedures, when a fasting period is not observed. The aspiration of the stomach contents into one's lungs can lead to serious complications (such as severe respiratory failure). Information from a bedside ultrasound assessment of the stomach may be a very useful tool to decide whether or not it's safe to proceed, cancel or delay a surgical procedure.