European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

The Supraglottic airway device is an effective alternative to face mask or endotracheal intubation for maintaining airway. It provides a hands-free means of achieving a secure airway.
Aim: To compare the effectiveness of airway maintenance between I-Gel and Proseal Laryngeal mask airway in elective surgeries in adults with respect to
a)      Time of insertion.
b)      Number of insertion attempts.
c)      Ease of insertion.
d)     Oxygen saturation.
e)      Airway seal pressure.
f)       Airway manipulation, if needed.
g)      Side effects (blood staining of device, tongue, lips and dental trauma and hoarseness of voice).
h)      Possible complications (bronchospasm and laryngospasm).
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, randomized clinical study. After approval from the Ethics Committee, 60 patients of both genders were screened for eligibility to participate in the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all the patients after thoroughly explaining about the study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups using a sealed envelope.
Group I (I-Gel, n= 30).
Group P (PLMA, n= 30).
A complete pre-anesthetic evaluation was done and patients were fasted for at least 6hrs for solids and 4hrs for liquids.
After anaesthetic induction, I-Gel or PLMA was inserted. The cuff of the Proseal LMA was inflated with 20ml of air for size 3 and 30ml of air for size 4. The following parameters were compared which include insertion time, ease of insertion, number of insertion attempts, sealing pressure and side effects.
Results: There was no significant difference in demographic and hemodynamic data. The mean insertion time was found to be more in PLMA (14.43±2.41 seconds), the ease of insertion was better in I-Gel (93.3%) and airway seal pressure was more in PLMA (24.87±1.79cm H₂O).
Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, we conclude that I-Gel aids easy and rapid insertion with an acceptable airway sealing pressure. I-Gel when compared to PLMA hassles insertion time and less post-operative complications. Hence, I-Gel can be a very good alternative to PLMA.