LMA Classic and LMA Proseal: A Comparative Study in Paralyzed Anaesthetized Patients

Introduction: Airway management is a fundamental aspect of the anaesthesia practice and of emergency and critical care medicine. The proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA), a modified version of the classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA), is being considered as an alternative airway device for a wide range of surgical procedures. The aim of the study was to assess the use of the PLMA as a ventilatory device in anaesthetized, paralyzed patients for various elective procedures. Materials and Methods: This prospective study comprised of 50 patients between the ages of 18-60 years, of either sex and belonging to the physical status ASA I and ASA II. We assessed the haemodynamic responses to the insertion of the PLMA, ventilatory parameters, the ease of the gastric tube placement, gastric insufflation and any postoperative complications. Results: The statistically analyzed results showed that the PLMA caused minimum haemodynamic responses to the insertion and that it was a reliable airway management device which ensured adequate ventilation and provided an effective glottic seal. Conclusion: We conclude that the Proseal LMA is capable of achieving a better seal than the LMA and facilitating gastric placement, but later is more difficult to insert.