Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme Versus the Tracheal Tube as an Airway Device in Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme (TM) is an Effective Alternative to Laryngoscope-guided Tracheal Intubation for Patients Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy-- A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

We hypothesise that the use of the LMA-Supreme provides greater ease of insertion and reduced haemodynamic variability during insertion compared to the tracheal tube, whilst still maintaining a patent airway to facilitate elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in selected patients.

The Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme(LMA-S) has been used successfully to maintain a patent airway for laparoscopic surgery. Our study compares the use of LMA-S with that of the tracheal tube (ETT) with respect to the ease of insertion and potential haemodynamic disturbance during insertion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status 1 and 2
• Undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI > 30
• Known gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• predicted or documented difficult airway
• contraindications to drugs in the standardized anaesthesia protocol