[Tracheal tube/laryngeal mask exchange to prevent coughing in lung volume reduction surgery]

We report the use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) to facilitate smooth emergence from anesthesia in 3 patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for severely symptomatic emphysema. To prevent coughing during emergence we replaced the endotracheal tube with LMA while patient was still in deep anesthesia. Emergence was smooth without coughing in all three patients, and ventilation with facemask was not needed after removal of LMA. We believe this technique is safe and beneficial for anesthetic management of LVRS.