A randomized prospective study comparing the Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway and Laryngeal Mask Airway-Classic during controlled ventilation for gynecological laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of noninvasive, supraglottic airway devices are currently available. In this randomized single-blind study, we compared the Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway (CobraPLA) to the [Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)-Classic] during gynecological laparoscopy.

METHODS: Forty patients received either an LMA-Classic or a CobraPLA. Insertion, ventilation and removal characteristics were noted, as well as any throat morbidity.

RESULTS: Devices were similar for insertion characteristics, adverse events, and throat morbidity. Before pneumoperitoneum, peak airway pressures were 20.3 +/- 4.9 cm H2O in the LMA-Classic group versus 25.5 +/- 7.9 cm H2O in the CobraPLA group, P = 0.01. This difference was maintained during pneumoperitoneum; LMA-Classic (22.8 +/- 6.1 cm H2O) and CobraPLA (28.1 +/- 8.5 cm H2O), P = 0.04. Macroscopic blood occurred only on the CobraPLA, seen on 40% of the devices after removal, P = 0.001.

CONCLUSION: During gynecological laparoscopy, the CobraPLA provides similar insertion characteristics, but higher airway sealing pressures than the LMA-Classic. The usefulness of this finding requires further investigation.