T Elwood1, R G Cox. 1. Department of Anaesthesia, Alberta Childrens Hospital, Calgary, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess epiglottic position after laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion with or without the use of a laryngoscope. METHODS: A double-blind randomized study. In 48 children anLMA (#2 for 6-20 kg, #2.5 for 20-30 kg) was inserted either blindly or with the help of a laryngoscope and its position assessed using fibreoptic endoscopy. RESULTS: An unobstructed view of the glottis, as assessed by fibrescope, was observed in 10 of 25 patients in the laryngoscope group, but only in 1 of 22 patients in the blind insertion group (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This technique offers an alternative when the standard technique has failed, or when LMA insertion precedes bronchoscopy or intubation via the laryngeal mask.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To assess epiglottic position after laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion with or without the use of a laryngoscope. METHODS: A double-blind randomized study. In 48 children an LMA (#2 for 6-20 kg, #2.5 for 20-30 kg) was inserted either blindly or with the help of a laryngoscope and its position assessed using fibreoptic endoscopy. RESULTS: An unobstructed view of the glottis, as assessed by fibrescope, was observed in 10 of 25 patients in the laryngoscope group, but only in 1 of 22 patients in the blind insertion group (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This technique offers an alternative when the standard technique has failed, or when LMA insertion precedes bronchoscopy or intubation via the laryngeal mask.