Analysis of predictive factors for difficult ProSeal laryngeal mask airway insertion and suboptimal positioning

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There has been controversy about predicting difficult LMA insertion and suboptimal position. Our aim was to evaluate bedside predictors for difficult LMA ProSeal(TM) (PLMA) insertion and suboptimal position. METHODS: As the potential predictive factors for difficult PLMA insertion and suboptimal position, we considered male gender, increased body mass index (BMI), seven individual items suggesting difficult airway [modified Mallampati classification > or = III, inter-incisor distance or = moderate, upper lip bite test (ULBT) > or = II] and > or = 3 of total airway score which is the sum of scores assessed by a score of 0, 1, 2 in seven individual items. The PLMA position was assessed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy to determine whether these predictors predict suboptimal position of PLMA (fiberoptic score or = 3 indicates suboptimal position of PLMA.