Comparison of two techniques for insertion of classic laryngeal mask airway

Background : We compared the ease of insertion of classic LMA™ and the fibreoptic assessment of LMA position between standard technique of LMA insertion and laryngoscopic aided insertion Patients and Methods : After IRB approval, 60 consenting adult patients belonging to ASA physical status 1or 2 scheduled to undergo short surgical procedure under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups , Group S and Group L. In Group S, after induction of anaesthesia with propofol 2.5 mgkg^-1, size 3 or size 4 classic LMA was inserted by standard technique described by Brain A I J. In group L LMA was inserted with the help of Macintosh laryngoscope. Ease of LMA insertion was recorded. Fibreoptic grading of final position of LMA was done. Presence of blood on the LMA was noted while removing it. Data were analyzed using Chi square test. P<0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: Patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference in ease of LMA insertion between the groups (P=0.612). Final LMA position was significantly better in group L compared to group S (P=0.000). Incidence of blood on LMA was similar in both the groups (P=0.765). Conclusions: Laryngoscopic technique of insertion provides a better final positioning of the classic LMA™ when compared to the standard insertion technique as confirmed by the fibreoptic bronchoscope.