Head elevation and laryngeal mask airway Supreme insertion: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is usually inserted by conventional 7cm head elevation. However, little is known about the association of head elevation degree and LMA insertion. We hypothesized that 14cm head elevation would increase the first attempt success rate of LMA Supreme insertion compared with conventional 7cm head elevation in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumour. Patients were randomly allocated to the high group (n=55, 14cm head elevation) or the control group (n=55, conventional 7cm head elevation). The primary outcome was the first attempt success rate of LMA Supreme insertion. The first attempt success rate was significantly higher in the high group than in the control group (53 [96.4%] vs 40 [72.7%], P=.001, relative risk=1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.12-1.57, absolute risk reduction=23.7%). Fibreoptic bronchoscope grade 4 (ie optimal position of the LMA) was significantly higher in the high group (35 [64.8%] vs 18 [36.7%], P=.004, relative risk=1.76, 95% CI=1.16-2.68, absolute risk reduction=30.9%). Head elevation of 14cm height increased the first attempt success rate of LMA Supreme insertion and fibreoptic bronchoscopic grade in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumour. High head elevation can be an effective option for successful LMA Supreme insertion. Trial Registry Number: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04229862).