Effect of classical laryngeal mask or I-gel use on otolaryngeal system in ambulatory inhalation general anesthesia: A prospective study.

Objective: To investigate the effects of supraglottic airway tools such as classical laryngeal mask (cLMA) and I-gel, which can be used without the need for muscle relaxation in the airway management of general anesthesia patients, on the otolaryngeal system.

Methods: This prospective randomised study was conducted at Karadeniz Technical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey, during November 2020 to December 2021. Eighty-nine patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I-II group, who would undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomized into two groups, namely Group cLMA and Group I-gel. cLMA and I-gel were used for airway management of the patients. After anesthesia induction, tympanometric measurements were taken at regular intervals for middle ear pressures of both ears.

Results: While air way pressures, SpO and EtCO values were within normal limits, there were no differences in terms of complications. In tympanometric measurements, middle ear pressure increase was statistically higher in the cLMA group than in the I-gel group (p <0.001).

Conclusions: We think that I-gel may be a more advantageous supra glottic airway device in terms of otolaryngeal effecs and middle ear pressure in theair way management during short surgical procedures.