A Randomized Clinical Trial Of Two Insertion Techniques Of Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway In Adults-Index Finger Insertion Technique Versus 90 Degree Rotational Technique

Abstract

A randomized clinical trial for comparison of two techniques of insertion of Proseal laryngeal mask airway in adults – index finger insertion technique versus 90 degree rotational technique. Introduction Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is not easy to insert due to its larger cuff especially in Indian population .The 90 degrees rotation technique for inserting the PLMA (which does not involve use of introducer or aids or finger insertion) is reported to be better than the standard index finger insertion technique to improve the insertion success rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the ease of insertion through the 90 degree rotational and standard insertion technique in terms of number of attempts, duration of insertion and occurrence of complications. Methods 120 adult patients were allocated to either a standard technique or a rotation technique group with 60 patients in each group. In the rotation technique group the entire cuff of the PLMA was placed in the patient's mouth in a midline approach without finger insertion, rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise around the patient's tongue, advanced and then rotated back until resistance was felt. The outcomes measured were success rate at first insertion, insertion time, hemodynamic changes and complications.