Insertion methods of the laryngeal mask airway. A survey of current practice in Wales.

The efficacy of the laryngeal mask is widely accepted, but there is a lack of consensus on the best insertion method and on the use of the mask for certain surgical procedures. We sent a questionnaire to all anaesthetists in Wales to discover the frequency of use of the laryngeal mask and the preferred insertion method. The questionnaire also enquired about the use of the laryngeal mask during anaesthesia for laparoscopic clip sterilisation. Replies were received from 125 consultants (89% of those circulated) and 122 non-consultants (69%). The insertion method described in the manufacturer's instruction manual was preferred by 30% of consultants and 34% of the others. The next most popular option was insertion of the mask with the cuff partially inflated. Twenty-three per cent of consultants and 34% of non-consultants were prepared to use the laryngeal mask during anaesthesia for laparoscopic clip sterilisation. Although the insertion technique described in the instruction manual is the most widely employed, a large number of alternative methods are frequently used.