Lung Segments

Question: Which lung segment is most commonly affected by aspiration during anaesthesia?

Fig 1a The trachea, main, lobar and segmental bronchi

Question: Which lung segment is most commonly affected by aspiration during anaesthesia?

Answer: The apical segment of the right lower lobe.

Aspiration is more likely to occur into the right side than the left. The apical bronchus of the right lower lobe is the first segmental bronchus to arise posteriorly, as highlighted in the image, and is most commonly affected in the supine patient.

Fig 1b The apical segment of the right lower lobe