Effect of classical laryngeal mask or I-gel use on otolaryngeal system in ambulatory inhalation general anesthesia: A prospective study.

Objective: To investigate the effects of supraglottic airway tools such as classical laryngeal mask (cLMA) and I-gel, which can be used without the need for muscle relaxation in the airway management of general anesthesia patients, on the otolaryngeal system.

Methods: This prospective randomised study was conducted at Karadeniz Technical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey, during November 2020 to December 2021. Eighty-nine patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I-II group, who would undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomized into two groups, namely Group cLMA and Group I-gel. cLMA and I-gel were used for airway management of the patients. After anesthesia induction, tympanometric measurements were taken at regular intervals for middle ear pressures of both ears.

Results: While air way pressures, SpO₂ and EtCO₂ values were within normal limits, there were no differences in terms of complications. In tympanometric measurements, middle ear pressure increase was statistically higher in the cLMA group than in the I-gel group (p <0.001).

Conclusions: We think that I-gel may be a more advantageous supra glottic airway device in terms of otolaryngeal effecs and middle ear pressure in theair way management during short surgical procedures.