BACKGROUND & METHODS This study was conducted to determine and compare the pressor responses associated with insertion of a laryngeal mask airway with endotracheal tube during elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia in paediatric patients. 64 patients of age between 2-12 years weighing between 10-40 kg, belonging to ASA grade I and II, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were included in the study. Patients belonging to ASA grade III and IV, those scheduled for emergency surgeries and patients with anticipated difficult airway were excluded from the study. The patients were randomised into two groups of 32 each, by computer generated software. For patients in group-L, airway was secured with laryngeal mask airway. Patients in group-E, airway was secured with endotracheal tube. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and SpO2 were recorded just before induction and subsequently at 1, 3, 5 & 10 minutes. Mean heart rate increase at 1, 3 & 5 minutes was much less when compared to Group-E (p=significant). Mean systolic blood pressure of Group-L is significantly less at 1, 3, 5 & 10 minutes than that of Group-E (p=significant). Mean diastolic blood pressure of Group-L is significantly less at 1, 3 & 10 minutes compared to Group-E (p=significant). RESULTS & CONCLUSION Complications like sore throat, blood staining and coughing at the end of the procedure were seen less in Group-L than in group-E. In this study, we concluded that the pressor responses were less with LMA than with endotracheal tube. Based on our conclusion, we can say that LMA can be used as an alternative to endotracheal tube in maintaining an intact airway under general anaesthesia.