A prospective single-center observational study to assess the efficacy of the second-generation supraglottic airway device I-gel in laparoscopic surgeries in children

Background and Aims: Supraglottic airways used in pediatric surgeries are associated with a lesser number of postanesthesia respiratory complications. However, there is limited literature on the use of i-gel for pediatric laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the adequacy of ventilation of i-gel for pediatric laparoscopic surgery and note any associated adverse event. Material and Methods: This is a single-centered prospective observational study including 119 children, aged 6 months to 18 years, scheduled for laparoscopic surgery, during a 9-month period, in a tertiary care center. I-gel was used for positive pressure ventilation, and if the post-insertion oropharyngeal seal pressure was <25 cm H2O, it was replaced with a tracheal tube. Adequacy of ventilation and adverse events were noted. Results: Data from 102 cases were analyzed (17 cases excluded: tracheal intubation in 11; missing data in 6 cases). The mean oropharyngeal seal pressure was 34.2 +/- 5.2 cm H2O and mean airway pressure was 16.1 +/- 2.4 cm H2O. The adverse events included transient cough (10.7%), sore throat (4.9%), and desaturation (3.9%). There was no sign of respiratory distress during the recovery and no intervention was required in any child postoperatively. Conclusion: I-gel provided adequate ventilation of the lungs in children undergoing laparoscopic surgery with no major adverse event.