Comparison of I-Gel and Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway for Airway Management in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries in General Anaesthesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND Supraglottic airway devices have emerged for effective airway management requiring minimal skill as an alternative to tracheal intubation during general anaesthesia. Of these devices, ProSeal LMA has been used commonly and I-gel is novel. ProSeal LMA has an inflatable cuff forming low-pressure seal around laryngeal inlet, while I-gel is a device made of thermoplastic elastomer which is soft, gel-like and transparent with no inflatable cuff.The present study aims to compare these two devices in terms of ease of insertion, insertion attempts, insertion time and quality of airway as primary outcome. Haemodynamic parameters and complications were observed as secondary outcome of the study. Design-Randomised controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS100 ASA Grade I and II patients of 18 -60 years, scheduled for elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. In Group I (n= 50) ProSeal LMA was used and in Group II (n= 50) I-gel was used to secure airway under general anaesthesia. Both the devices were compared in relation to number of attempts, insertion time, ease of insertion and quality of airway. RESULTSThe success rate for placement of device (p= 0.023) at first attempt was higher with Group II. The mean time of insertion was 16.6 ± 4.3 and 14.3 ± 3.2 seconds in Group I and II respectively (p= 0.004). Ease of insertion was more in Group II (p= 0.046). The quality of airway was good with both the devices and was comparable. CONCLUSIONAlthough I-gel and ProSeal LMA were comparable for airway management, I-gel was more easily inserted in lesser time.