Publication:

A comparative study between i-gel and classical laryngeal mask airway in elective surgery under general anaesthesia

Background Supraglottic airway devices have been widely used as an alternative to tracheal intubation during general anesthesia both in adults and children. This study was carried out to compare classical laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and i-gel, regarding ease of insertion, adequate placement of device, ability to maintain ETCO2 and SPO2, perioperative hemodynamic parameters and intra operative and postoperative complication.

Methods This prospective, randomized clinical study was done on 100 patients of either sex, age between 5 to 60 years, ASA grade I-III who underwent different surgical procedures under general anesthesia in supine position. After giving premedication, induction of anesthesia was done with inj. Propofol 2-3 mg/kg and inj. Succnylcoline 1.5-2 mg/kg. In “sniffing air” position, airway was secured with either LMA or i-gel. An effective placement of device was checked by a square wave capnography, normal chest expansion, SPO2 >95%, and absence of audible leak. Patients were observed for time and ease of insertion, number of attempts, perioperative hemodynamic changes and complications.

Results No statistically significant difference was reported between both the groups, regarding heart rate, BP, SPO2 and ETCO2. Duration of insertion was more in group LMA. Insertion was easy and was possible in first attempt in 88% of patients without much manipulation in group i-gel.

Conclusions I-gel is a better alternative supraglottic airway device than LMA in view of ease of insertion with minimal manipulations and minimal complications. Hemodynamic parameters, SPO2 and ETCO2 were maintained in both the groups.