Gastro-Laryngeal Tube for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a preliminary report

The Gastro-Laryngeal Tube is a modification of the Laryngeal Tube that provides a dedicated channel for the insertion of a gastroscope. In this study of 30 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, we evaluated both the effectiveness of airway management with a Gastro Laryngeal Tube and the feasibility of performing it using the endoscopic channel. The Gastro Laryngeal Tube was inserted successfully in all patients, in 27 patients at the first attempt. The mean (SD) time to achieve an effective airway was 26 (6) s. Mean (SD) inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes were 336 (57) ml and 312 (72) ml, respectively, and oropharyngeal leak pressure was 33.7 (2) cmH(2)O. These data suggest that the Gastro Laryngeal Tube is an effective and secure device for airway management and for use during performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.