Revi N1, Harikishore2, Binu Puthur3, Ershad4
OBJECTIVE: The I-gel is a new single-use supraglottic airway device without an inflatable cuff. This study was designed to investigate the usefulness of the I-gel compared with the classic laryngeal mask airway (cLMA) and ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (pLMA) in anaesthetized patients.
METHODS: The American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients (n=75) scheduled for surgery were included in this prospective study. General anaesthesia was achieved with intravenous infusion of propofol, fentanil. The patients were randomly assigned to I-gel, pLMA and cLMA groups of 25 each. Properly sized I-gel (No. 3-4) or LMA (No. 4-5) was inserted. We assessed haemodynamic data, ease of insertion, duration of insertion attempts and postoperative complications.
RESULTS: There were no differences in the demographic data and haemodynamic data one minute after insertion of devices among the three groups. The ease of insertion was 96% with I-gel group 88% for cLMA and 80% for pLMA group which was not statistically significant (p=0. 194). Mean time taken for successful insertion is significantly less in I-gel group (p=0. 03) and success in first attempt of insertion were high in I gel compared to other groups. There were no differences in the incidence of adverse events except for the 2 cases of blood stain on removal in pLMA group.
CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic parameters were comparable among I-gel, pLMA and cLMA. I-gel is easy to insert and duration of insertion attempts are significantly less, and is not associated with adverse events. I-gel might be an effective alternative as a supraglottic airway device.
