laryngeal mask airway: first clinical experience in Alexandria University hospital

ABSTRACT

The laryngeal mask airway consists of a tubular oropharyngeal airway to the distal end of which is sealed a silicon laryngeal mask with an inflatable rim which provides an airtight seal around the larynx. Anaesthetic techniques and drugs used were conventional and similar to those which would have been used for the same procedure if face mask or tracheal intubations had been employed. Blind insertion of the laryngeal mask airway size 4 was successful at the first attempt in 80 patients [out of 100], some manipulation was required in 16 patients, and correct insertion was impossible in 4 patients who required tracheal intubations. Laryngeal mask airway provided a clear airway in 96 out of 100 elective patients for a wide variety of surgical procedures, ranging from minor gynecological and urological procedures to major abdominal surgery with either spontaneous respiration or intermittent positive pressure ventilation. The LM airway does not require laryngoscopy or muscle relaxants for its insertion, it relieves the anaesthetist's hands from holding a face-mask during spontaneous respiration and facilitates positive pressure ventilation within the normal tidal volume and airway pressure. It has been used successfully in patients of difficult or failed intubation