A comparative study of positive pressure ventilation via laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and its comparison with the endotracheal tube for positive pressure ventilation.

SETTING: A tertiary care teaching hospital.

METHODS: Fifty adult ASA I and II patients undergoing peripheral limb surgery were randomly allocated to 2 groups for LMA or endotracheal tube insertion. A standardized anaesthetic technique was used. The groups were then compared regarding haemodynamic changes on insertion as well as removal of LMA and ETT and any complications that occurred were noted.

RESULTS: The haemodynamic response to insertion was significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) in LMA group as compared to ETT group. The cardiovascular response to extubation was not significantly different between the groups. A higher incidence of coughing and mild hypoxaemia at extubation was noted in ETT group as compared to LMA group (p < 0.05) and blood was detected in 4 cases after LMA removal.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of LMA during positive pressure ventilation is safe in selected cases. There is an attenuated haemodynamic response to insertion of LMA as compared to endotracheal tube which will be beneficial in certain patients e.g., those with ischaemic heart disease, vascular disease and hypertensives.