Should positive end-expiratory pressure be used during elective general anaesthesia with supraglottic airway devices?

Abstract

Anaesthetists' use of positive end-expiratory pressure during elective general anaesthesia via supraglottic airway devices varies. Positive end-expiratory pressure may help to maintain oxygenation and prevent atelectasis, but could worsen the risk of air leak, gastric insufflation and catastrophic aspiration.