Laryngeal Mask Airway Use in Children: The University College Hospital, Ibadan Experience

Abstract

The laryngeal mask airway was used to administer anaesthetics to forty-one paediatric patients who presented for elective ophthalmic procedures at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between July 2006 and July 2007. The LMA was inserted using the standard technique following inhalation of 1.5-2% halothane or intravenous induction of anaesthesia with propofol. Data on the ease of insertion, intra-operative adverse events and complications associated with LMA removal were prospectively documented. The study population comprised 27 male (65.8%) and 14 female (34.2%) children with age range between 9 and 156 months (13years) and ASA physical status 1 or 2. Success rate was 90.2% at first attempt while 2.44% failed attempt was recorded. There were no intra-operative adverse events. Complications observed during removal of LMA included laryngospasm 3(7.5%), coughing 3(7.5%) and desaturation (defined as SaO2 <95%) in 6 (15%) patients. The complications were treated with administration of 100% oxygen by facemask and there were no further sequelae. The classic paediatric LMA is an effective airway device for anaesthesia in spontaneously breathing patient undergoing short ophthalmic procedures under general anaesthesia. Keywords: Laryngeal mask airway, paediatric anaesthesia, airway complication