Efficacy of I-gel laryngeal mask airway for airway management in patients undergoing radical mastectomy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of I-gel laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for airway management in patients undergoing radical mastectomy.Methods One hundred and twenty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients (Mallampati Ⅰ or Ⅱ),aged 25-64 yr,weighing 45-90 kg,with body mass index ＜ 30 kg/m2,scheduled for elective radical mastectomy under general anesthesia,were randomized into 2 groups (n=60 each): I-gel LMA group (group Ⅰ) and Classic LMA (group C).Anesthesia was induced with iv midazolam 0.04 mg/kg and vecuronium 0.10 mg/kg.I-gel and classic LMAs were inserted in I and C groups,respectively,after induction of anesthesia.The success rate of LMA placement at first attempt,LMA placement time,airway sealing pressure,peak airway pressure,leaks and hypoxemia,and complications (nauseas and vomiting,bucking,aspiration and blood stain on the LMAs,sore throat and hoarseness within 24 h after surgery) were recorded.Correct position of the LMAs was verified by fiberoptic bronchoscopy.Results The success rate of LMA placement were 100 ％ in both groups.The success rate of LMA placement at first attempt and fiberoptic bronchoscope scores were higher,the LMA placement time was significantly shorter,and the incidence of blood stain on the LMAs and sore throat were significantly lower in group Ⅰ than in group C (P ＜ 0.05).A transient increase in airway pressure and leaks occurred in 5 patients in group C,and the airway pressure returned to normal and no leaks developed after treatment.No transient increase in airway pressure and leaks occurred in group Ⅰ.Hypoxemia was not found in both groups.Conclusion The placement of I-gel LMA is easier than that of Classic LMA and the success rate of placement at first attempt is high,with fewer complications.I-gel LMA can be safely and effectively used for airway management in patients undergoing radical mastectomy. Key words: Laryngeal masks; Respiration,artificial