Facemask general anesthesia for minor and outpatient surgery: a dying art?

Facemask general anesthesia is suitable for many minor surgeries but has become unpopular partly because of the laryngeal mask airway. Appropriate facemask anesthesia is safe, effective and cheap, and associated with minimal complications. It also improves the airway management skills of the anesthesiologist. The art and teaching of facemask anesthesia should be encouraged.