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Sore throat and supraglottic airways: Size matters!

Authors

Gross J. et al.

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