Teleflex | LMA - Better by Design

Authors

Publication

Eur J Anaesthesiol 2010; 27 (47): 245-246 [Abstract 19AP1-5].

Summary

• A study to investigate whether incorrectly sized supraglottic airway devices are associated with an increase in the incidence of sore throat in the post-operative period
• The use of correctly versus incorrectly sized supraglottic airway devices was associated with a lower incidence of sore throat in the post-operative period
• Anaesthetists have a lack of knowledge about the correct size of supraglottic airway device to use according to patient body weight

Objectives:

• To investigate whether incorrectly sized supraglottic airway devices are associated with an increase in the incidence of sore throat in the post-operative period

Method:

• This was a prospective study undertaken in patients aged ≥18 years undergoing surgery (excluding ear, nose and throat surgery)
• Prior to surgery each patients’ weight was recorded
• During surgery the size of the device employed (either the Fannin integral single-use laryngeal mask or the i-gel™) was recorded and was subsequently compared with the manufacturers’ sizing recommendations
• Following surgery patients answered questions regarding their experience of sore throat
• Anaesthetists’ knowledge of the recommended weight range for each device size was also determined

Results:

• Overall, 115 patients were included in the study
  • Of these, 83 received the Fannin integral single-use laryngeal mask and 32 received the i-gel™
• In total, 37.3% and 31.3% of patients who received the Fannin integral single-use laryngeal mask and the i-gel™, respectively, had a device that was the incorrect size according to their body weight
  • In the majority of cases (87.8%), the incorrectly sized devices were too small
• Recipients of both the Fannin integral single-use laryngeal mask and the i-gel™ were more likely to experience a sore throat in the post-operative period if they received an incorrectly sized device during surgery (Table 1)
• Overall, 27% of the 33 anaesthetists questioned were aware of the correct weight range for each size of the Fannin integral single-use laryngeal mask, but none were aware of the correct weight range for each size of the i-gel™

Conclusions:

• The incidence of sore throat in the post-operative period was increased when an incorrectly sized supraglottic airway device was used
• There was a lack of knowledge on the part of anaesthetists regarding the correct size of supraglottic airway device to use according to patient body weight