The advantages of i-gel mask for tube exchange in asthmatic pediatric patients during emergence from general anesthesia

Abstract

Background A prospective randomized study was carried out to study the advantages of tube exchange with intersurgical gel (i-gel) during recovery stage in asthmatic children. Patients and methods A total of 40 ASA II patients aged between 3 and 12 years suffering from bronchial asthma, excluding patients with difficult airway, were divided into two groups of 20 patients each. After completion of surgery, the tube was left in group I till awakening, whereas in group II the i-gel mask was used for tube exchange during recovery and before discontinuation of anesthesia. Result(s) There was a significant difference between both groups regarding hemodynamics and incidence of complications in favor of the i-gel group. Conclusion Recovery with i-gel mask in asthmatic children is more smooth and less stressful than recovery with endotracheal tube, as well as with less complications.