The laryngeal mask airway in ENT surgery

Abstract

We report our experience of using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) over a period of 18 months in 217 patients undergoing a variety of otorhinolaryngological operations. Advantages over conventional intubation for both patient and surgeon are suggested in both safety, speed and economy. An inadequate airway, necessitating replacement of the LMA, only occurred on two occasions whilst two known cases of difficult intubation easily had their airways secured by use of the LMA. Protection of the lower airways from secretions, fluid or blood, arising above the LMA, would appear to be confirmed

Baska Mask is non-inferior to tracheal tube in preventing airway contamination during controlled ventilation in elective nasal surgeries

“…A majority of studies using LMA during nasal surgeries have concluded it as an effective alternative to ETT in nasal surgeries. [ 8 10 11 12 13 ] John et al . noticed no major leak of dye past the LMA cuff or staining of the larynx even after injecting 10 mL of methylene blue into the pharynx following LMA insertion.…”

Use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway in Otologic Surgery

“…At this “light” depth of anesthesia the LMA can be used to provide a stable airway and still permit spontaneous ventilation. For otologic surgery, the LMA can be used to secure the airway when the head is not readily accessible to the anesthetist during the procedure 11 …”

The reinforced laryngeal mask airway (RLMA) protects the airway in patients undergoing nasal surgery — an observational study of 200 patients

“…9 Their results show that in two out of 217 patients (1%) the LMA had to be replaced with an endotracheal tube but they did not formally evaluate the LMA for contamination. Williams, Thompsett and Bailey 8 compared the laryngeal mask with the tracheal tube in a small number of nasal surgery procedures.…”