Endotracheal intubation through the Laryngeal Mask--helpful when laryngoscopy is difficult or dangerous

The correctly placed Laryngeal Mask will act as a guide to endotracheal intubation in over 90% of adult patients. Although the size of tube is limited to a 6-mm-internal-diameter cuffed oral or nasal pattern tube the technique is easy to learn and can provide a rapid solution when endotracheal intubation is necessary but conventional laryngoscopy is unexpectedly difficult or dental restorations are at risk. Application of cricoid pressure reduces the success rate of the technique; therefore, if this manoeuvre is indicated to reduce the risks of regurgitation, anaesthetists are advised to arrange for its momentary relaxation during the final stages of placement of the Laryngeal Mask and of the endotracheal tube.