A Comparative Study between Standard Weight‑Based Technique and Pinna Size-Based New Technique for Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway Size Selection in Pediatric Population

Introduction: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a non-invasive supraglottic airway device designed to maintain the airway,which sits outside of and creates a seal around the larynx. In clinical practice, the most commonly used method for sizeestimation is the weight-based method. However, this may not be suitable due to lack of standardization in pediatric patients,emergencies, overweight, etc. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the new pinna size-basedmethod for the estimation of LMA size.Materials and Methods: A total of 100 pediatric patients, aged under 15 years, undergoing ambulatory surgeries, belonging toAmerican society of anesthesiologists (ASA) Grades I and II, were randomly divided into two groups: Weight-based and Pinnasize-based estimation. Parameters such as number of attempts and change of size required were monitored.Results: LMAs were inserted in both the groups in the first attempt. However, LMAs needed to be exchanged in 2% of casesin Group A and in 16% of cases in Group B.Conclusion: Pinna size-based estimation for the size of LMA is a convenient and feasible alternative to the traditional weightbased estimation.

A Comparative Study between the Efficacy of Pre-incisional and Post-incisional Wound Infiltration of Bupivacaine for the Relief of Post-operative Pain

Introduction: Pain, the “fifth vital sign” is an unpleasant sensation localized to a part of the body. Post-operative pain has beenwidely studied, as it causes adverse psychological and physiological effects. Many anesthetic agents and techniques have beendeveloped to minimize the post-operative pain. This study compares the effectiveness of two such techniques: Pre-incisionaland post-incisional infiltration using bupivacaine as the anesthetic agent.Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, non-crossover type, double-blind interventional study was conductedon 60 patients of either gender, aged 15–50 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades I and IIundergoing lower abdominal surgeries. They were randomly divided into two groups: Pre-incisional and post-incisional infiltrationgroups and were monitored for up to 24 h postoperatively for the duration of analgesia and intensity of pain.Results: The duration of post-operative analgesia was better in the pre-incisional infiltration group (540 min) compared to thepost-incisional infiltration group (360 min). Similarly, the overall mean pulse rate, mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), and meanrespiratory rate were lower in the pre-incisional infiltration group, indicating better post-operative pain relief.Conclusion: Although both pre-incisional and post-incisional infiltration of bupivacaine are safe, pre-incisional infiltrationprovides better relief of post-operative pain.