COMPARISON OF THE REINFORCED LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY AND TRACHEAL INTUBATION FOR ADENOTONSILLECTOMY

One hundred and four patients were allocated randomly to receiveanaesthesia for adenotonsillectomy via either a reinforced laryngealmask airway or a tracheal tube. Airway maintenance and protectionwere assessed during and after operation. The reinforced laryngealmask did not interfere with surgical access; it resisted compressionand protected the lower airway from contamination with blood.Four patients were withdrawn from the laryngeal mask airwaygroup: two because of difficulty with placement, and two becausethe laryngeal mask was obstructed distally when the Boyle Davisgag was opened fully. In children, recovery was less eventfulin the laryngeal mask airway group, with less airway obstruction(P < 0.001) and better airway acceptance (P < 0.05). Thereinforced laryngeal mask airway provided a clear, secure airwayuntil recovery of protective reflexes. (Br. J. Anaesth. 1993;70: 30–33)