Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to compare the use of proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) to classical laryngeal mask airway (KLMA) in respect to replacement, air leak pressures and complications.

METHODS

203 children at the ages of 3 months to 14 years who were scheduled for groin surgery, circumcision, biopsy or eye surgery with ASA scores of I and II were included. Randomization of the children was done according to the availability of PLMA or KLMA in the hospital pharmacy at the time of surgery. This study was prospectively designed and retrospectively evaluated. Following standard anesthesia technique LMAs were placed by anesthesia residents at different seniority. Gastric distention at ventilation, duration of LMA, volume of air, number of attemps, technique for placement, cuff pressure, air volume in cuff, presence of air leak noise and complications were all recorded.

RESULTS

PLMA and KLMA were attempted/placed to 137 and 66 children respectively. Placement of PLMA was unsuccessful in 3 cases and KLMA in a case after four attempts and these cases were intubated.

Mask ventilation caused gastric distantion in 25% of cases in both groups regardless of the seniority of the anesthesiologists. The success rates at first attempt were 87.7% and 87.3% for KLMA and PLMA groups respectively. Anesthesiologists experiences, success rates, duration of placement, cuff air volumes, airleak pressure and complications were similar between groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

KLMA and PLMA could not be found superior to each other. We conclude that the use of LMA, the best criteria is the experience of the anesthesiologist.