Lingual nerve injury associated with the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway: a case report and review of the literature

We present a case of lingual nerve injury that was associated with use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway during shoulder replacement in a 61-yr-old male. We also review other cases of cranial nerve injury, most of which were associated with use of the classic laryngeal mask airway. In principle, the frequency of cranial nerve injuries can be reduced by avoiding insertion trauma, using appropriate sizes, minimizing cuff volume, and early identification and correction of malposition.