Comparison of i-gel with LMA ProSeal for ease of insertion in adultanaesthetised paralysed patients: a prospective randomized trial

Abstract

Background: i-gel,a recently developed non-inflatable supraglottic airway device, a suitable better alternative to cuffed inflatable suprglottic airway device like LMA ProSeal.Aim and objectives: This study aimed to compare the ease of insertion to achieve early successful airway between LMA ProSeal and i-gel. The secondary objectives were to compare hemodynamic parameters and any airway complications.Materials and methods: This prospective randomized study done in fifty (n=25, each group) ASA I and II adult patients, aged between 20 and 65 years of either sex scheduled for elective surgeries. Patients airway was secured with appropriate size eitherLMA ProSeal or i-gel. The time taken for successful insertion, number of attempts and ease ofgastric tube placement were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters at basal (pre operative), 1, 3 & 5 minutes after insertion were recorded. Blood stain of device and any postoperative airway complications were noted.Results: Time taken for successful insertion was significantly less in i-gel group [Group 1(LMA ProSeal) 20.56±2.00, Group 2 (i-gel) 12.08±1.53, p=0.001*]. Time taken for gastric tube placement was significantly less in i-gel group [Group 1(LMA ProSeal) 31.96±4.58, Group 2 (i-gel) 21.48±2.55, p=0.001*]. Among hemodynamic parameters, heart rate immediately after insertion of device was stable in i-gel group. The numbers of insertion attempts were also less with i-gel group.Conclusion: In our study, ease ofinsertion with less number of attempts was observed with i-gel group.So i-gel found to be the better alternative to LMA ProSeal.