Is Laryngeal Mask a Good Alternative in Children Undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair with Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing Under and Over Two Years Old?

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate respiratory parameters during percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) for inguinal hernia repair in two different-aged pediatric patients in whom the airway is provided with a laryngeal mask or endotracheal tube for general anaesthesia.

Methods: After local ethics committee and parental consent, 180 ASAI-II children were randomly allocated to 4 groups; according to their age (0-24 months / 25-144 months) and airway device laryngeal mask (LMA) / endotracheal tube (ETT) used for general anaesthesia (45 children each) for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Standard anaesthesia induction was done with lidocaine, propofol, and fentanyl, and 0.6 mg kg^-1 rocuronium was added to the ETT groups. Sevoflurane is used for maintenance. Hemodynamic parameters, peak airway pressure, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂), and peripheric oxygen saturation (SpO₂) values were recorded after induction, before, and during pneumoperitoneum. The duration of anaesthesia, surgery, recovery time, and surgical satisfaction was recorded. Airway complications (cough, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, desaturation, and aspiration) were recorded.

Results: Hundred and eighty patients (45 in each group) were analyzed. Duration of surgery and surgical satisfaction were similar in all groups. Duration of anaesthesia and recovery times were significantly shorter in the LMA groups. Peak airway pressure and EtCO2 levels were significantly lower in the LMA groups. Rare airway complications were observed without significance.

Conclusion: In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with the PIRS technique, LMA offered comparable operating conditions and surgical satisfaction.