Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Protector for Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy

Study of the Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms After Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy: Comparison Between the Protector Laryngeal Mask Airway and the Endotracheal Tube.

The patients will be allocated to 2 groups: the LMA group and the endotracheal tube (ET) group. Airway management will be done with the LMA Protector for the patients of the LMA group and with the classic endotracheal tube for the patients of the ET group. The main purpose of the study is to determine if the application of the LMA Protector causes less laryngopharyngeal symptoms than the endotracheal tube after minimally invasive thyroidectomy. The secondary purpose is to confirm that the LMA Protector is a safe alternative airway management device for minimally invasive thyroidectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Total thyroidectomy with the minimally invasive method.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 1-3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical conditions which cause any kind of airway obstruction or compromise.
• Tracheal displacement greater than 2cm from midline.
• History of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Expected difficult airway.
• History of impossible intubation.
• BMI>35
• Reoperation within 24hours.