Initial number of 250 was not based on sample size. Most airway studies use n=100 therefore trial stopped when 120 children recruited

Once a child has been anaesthetised and is fully asleep, a special airway tube called a laryngeal mask is often inserted into their mouth to help with their breathing. This tube is removed just before the child wakes up.

A new type of airway tube, called an i-gel airway, has been developed for children, which is hoped will be easier to insert, safer once in position, and will be less likely to cause a sore throat after the anaesthetic than a standard laryngeal mask. The adult i-gel airway has been available for adults since 2007, and early trials have shown very encouraging results.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All children weighing 5 -30kg
• Classified by the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) as grade 1-2,
• Scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia, in whom a LMA or PLMA would otherwise be used for airway maintenance and in whom neuromuscular blocking drugs will not be used.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability of patient or parents to understand the study or consent process
• Neck pathology
• Previous or anticipated airway problems
• Pathology of airway, respiratory tract, upper gastrointestinal tract
• Increased risk of regurgitation or aspiration
• Weight >30kg or <5 kg
• ASA 3 and above,
• Emergency surgery

children between 10 - 30 kgs infants between 5-10 kgs