New single use supraglottic airway device with non-inflatable cuff and gastric tube channel.

OBJECTIVE: To assess ventilatory characteristics and airway complications associated with the use of I-gel in patients undergoing gynaecological surgeries.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Pain Management, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from July 2008 to June 2009.

METHODOLOGY: One hundred adult female patients aged 15 - 75 years, ASA-I and II scheduled for elective gynaecologic surgical procedures under general anaesthesia with controlled ventilation were included in this study. After insertion of device, ease of insertion, time of insertion, peak airway pressure, leak pressure were noted. After proper placement of device, gastric tube was also passed in every patient. Pharyngolaryngeal morbidities (sore throat, dysphagia, dysphonia, neck pain and coughing at 1 hour and 24 hours postoperatively) were also noted.

RESULTS: I-gel was inserted in the first attempt in 92% patients while second attempt was required in 8% of patients. Average time of insertion was 9.68 ± 2.69 seconds. Average leak pressure of 22.48 ± 2.07 cm H2O. After removal of I-gel no blood staining was found on any device. Coughing was noted in 6% patients after removal of device and mild sore throat was noted in only one patient after 24 hours of surgery.

CONCLUSION: I-gel is a simple and easy to use supraglottic airway device. Its insertion do not require laryngoscopy and airway can be maintained in very short time in adult female patients.