Comparison of I-gel and laryngeal mask airway classic in terms of ease of insertion and hemodynamic response: a randomised observational study

Background: The gold standard technique for preserving a patent airway throughout anaesthesia is tracheal intubation. I-gel is a relatively new addition to the SADs. I-gel has combined the concept of the non-cuffed SADs like the SLIPA and gastric tube of the proseal LMA yet retaining the shape of laryngeal mask. Hence, we have compared ease of insertion, number and duration of insertion attempts among the two devices. Methods: This study was conducted on patients undergoing elective surgery under GA in Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur. Patients were divided into two groups: group A= LMA classic, a variant of supraglottic airway device and group B= I-gel, a variant of supraglottic airway device. The two devices were than compared with respect to success rate of insertion, time taken for insertion and ease of gastric tube placement (number of attempts) and post-operative airway morbidity. Results: Mean insertion time was 8.66±3.21 seconds in C-LMA and 6.49±1.92 seconds in I-gel (p<0.001). 97.14% was the success rate of single time attempt insertion with I-gel as compared to 88.57% in C-LMA. There was a failure rate of 11.43% in single attempt insertion with CLMA as compared to 2.86% with I-gel (p>0.05). Conclusions: We hereby concluded with our study that successful and shorter duration of insertion, with less hemodynamic response, makes I-gel™ a suitable alternative to LMA classic™ during general anesthesia.