Laryngeal mask insertion with a laryngoscope in paediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To assess epiglottic position after laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion with or without the use of a laryngoscope.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized study. In 48 children an LMA (#2 for 6-20 kg, #2.5 for 20-30 kg) was inserted either blindly or with the help of a laryngoscope and its position assessed using fibreoptic endoscopy.

RESULTS

An unobstructed view of the glottis, as assessed by fibrescope, was observed in 10 of 25 patients in the laryngoscope group, but only in 1 of 22 patients in the blind insertion group (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

This technique offers an alternative when the standard technique has failed, or when LMA insertion precedes bronchoscopy or intubation via the laryngeal mask.