Laryngeal mask versus endotracheal intubation in paediatric anaesthesia

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess the insertion of the LMA and to compare its use with the side effects associated with insertion of the ETT in 60 children scheduled for different surgical procedures. They were divided into two groups, the LMA group and the ETT group, each included 30 patients of both sexes. In 27 children, the LMA provided good airway and in two children, more than one attempt was needed. The LMA was tolerated at a lighter level of anesthesia than ETT with less sore throat in LMA. It was concluded that LMA was an effective, safe device for maintaining a clear airway during pediatric anesthesia. The advantages of LMA over ETT included the avoidances of risk of endobronchial or esophageal intubation and it caused less trauma, sore throat and laryngospasm than ETT