Prospective survey of the use of the laryngeal mask airway in 2359 patients.

Patients undergoing anaesthesia in which the laryngeal mask airway was used were prospectively audited over a 6-month period. A simple record sheet was completed at the time of anaesthetic administration and 2359 completed forms were analysed to assess problems encountered with its use. It was used successfully in 2350 patients (99.61%); of these, 1399 patients (59%) breathed spontaneously through the airway and 960 patients (41%) underwent intermittent positive pressure ventilation of the lungs. Two patients (0.08%) were reported to have regurgitated during the use of the laryngeal mask airway, but no serious sequelae associated with its use were encountered.