A Comparative Study Evaluating I-gel and Air-Q LMA for Ventilation in Anaesthetised and Paralysed Patients.

Background: The aim of study is to compare I-gel and Air-Q supraglottic airways in terms of - success rate of device insertion, number of attempts taken, haemodynamic parameters before and after device insertion, incidence of trauma and postoperative sore throat, dysphagia. Methods: This randomised single blind study was conducted on 90 patients of age 18-60 years, undergoing elective surgery requiring general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups- Group I: I-gel (n= 45), Group II: Air-Q (n=45). After preoxygenation, induction and muscle relaxation appropriate size I-gel or Air-Q was inserted and all parameters were noted by an independent observer. For statistical analysis, Student t-test was employed to compare the means and Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Complications were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: The demographic profile of patients in both groups was similar. In all patients supraglottic airway device was inserted within 3 attempts. Mean insertion time in first attempt for I-gel (25.85 ±1.7 sec) was found to be significantly lower than Air-Q (26.73±1.51 sec) [P=0.0128]. Conclusion: We conclude that I-gel is easier and safer than Air- Q when ventilation through LMA is intended during surgery.