use of classic laryngeal mask airway inserted in prone position for controlled ventilation: a feasibility study

Abstract

Traditionally, general anaesthesia for surgical procedures requiring prone position consists of induction and tracheal intubation in supine position on a trolley, and then patient is turned prone on the operation table and positioned carefully. Even though this approach is familiar to most anaesthesiologists, it is time consuming and requires shift of manpower from other tasks to properly position the patient. In the present study as an alternative to the traditional approach, classic laryngeal mask airway has been used successfully in patients who need controlled ventilation during short, moderate and even long duration surgeries in prone position. In this feasibility study involving 100 patients it was found that insertion of laryngeal mask airway in prone position, considerably simplify the management of this group of patients, without compromising the safety.