Comparison of Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion Techniques In Children: Standard Technique With Fully Deflated Cuff Vs Lateral Approach With 90⁰ Rotation With Partially Inflated Cuff

Background and Aims: Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is widely used for airway management in paediatric anaesthesia. However, differences in paediatric airway anatomy compared to adults can make the correct placement of LMA difficult in paediatric patients. We conducted the study to compare the Standard Brain technique and Lateral approach with 90⁰ rotation with partially inflated cuff for LMA insertion in paediatric patients. Methods: 100 ASA I children aged between 2 to 12 years scheduled for short elective surgical procedures lasting for less than 60 minutes were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into one of the two groups, i.e group-S (Standard technique) or group- L (Lateral technique). The success rate at first attempt, overall success rate, time taken for LMA insertion and complications were assessed. Unpaired t-test and fisher’s exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Successful insertion at the first attempt was significantly higher in group-S (96 %) compared with group-L (90 %). Overall success rate was 100 % for group-S and 96 % for group-L (P= 0.593). Time for successful insertion was significantly lower in group- L (12.22 ± 3.16 s) compared to group-S (16.9 ± 5.99 s) (P< 0.001). The incidence of complications was lower in group-L. Conclusion: Although, the standard technique with fully deflated cuff is associated with higher success rate of insertion, the lateral technique with partially inflated cuff has shorter insertion time and fewer complications.