A prospective, randomized, Single-blinded, comparative study of Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway and ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway in pediatric patients

Context: ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) is extensively being used in pediatric anesthesia.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of PLMA as compared to Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway (CLMA) for airway maintenance in pediatric patients.

Settings and design: A prospective, randomized, Single-blinded study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Materials and methods: Sixty ASA I and II children were included. Patients were randomized to either size 2 PLMA or size 2 CLMA groups. Parameters noted were time for insertion, number of attempts, airway sealing pressure, blood pressures (systolic, diastolic, and mean), pulse rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO(2)), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and postoperative change in abdominal circumference, and airway trauma.

Statistical analysis used: Parametric data were analyzed with the unpaired t-test and non-parametric data were analyzed with the chi-square (χ(2)) test. Unless otherwise stated, data are presented as mean (SD). Significance was taken as P < 0.05.

Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups for the success rates at the first attempt of insertion, airway sealing pressure, hemodynamic responses, SpO(2), EtCO(2) and postoperative changes in abdominal circumference. Patients in the PLMA group had longer time of insertion and higher incidence of airway trauma.

Conclusions: The PLMA and the CLMA were comparable for hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters and change in abdominal circumference; however, the time taken for insertion and airway trauma was more with PLMA.