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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
An evaluation of the I-gel supraglottic airway in 70 pediatric patients
Tze Yeng Yeoh1, Koo Boon Chan, Lynn S H Yeo
1Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Main Building 1, Level 3, Singapore, 119074, Singapore, zinko_0625@yahoo.com.
Insights
The I-gel supraglottic airway device showed a 96% insertion success rate in children. However, 24.3% experienced issues, necessitating airway changes in some cases for optimal ventilation.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Critical Care
Background:
- The i-gel is a supraglottic airway device frequently used in adult general anesthesia.
- Its application and safety in pediatric patients require thorough evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of the i-gel supraglottic airway in pediatric patients.
- Key parameters evaluated include insertion time, ventilation adequacy, and complication rates.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 70 pediatric patients (1-16 years old, ASA I/II) undergoing elective surgery.
- Evaluation of i-gel insertion speed, ventilation, leak pressure, gastric tube compatibility, and associated problems.
Main Results:
- Successful insertion rate of 96% with a median insertion time of 25 seconds.
- Complications occurred in 24.3% of patients, including device displacement and sore throat.
- Airway device changes were required in some cases to ensure adequate ventilation.
Conclusions:
- The i-gel demonstrates a high insertion success rate in children.
- A moderate incidence of complications necessitates careful monitoring and potential device replacement for optimal pediatric airway management.
Abstract:
The I-gel is a supraglottic airway device which is commonly used in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. In this study, we evaluated the speed of insertion, adequacy of ventilation, leak pressure, gastric tube insertion, and problems when using the I-gel in children. We included 70 patients aged between 1 and 16 years old with ASA physical status classification I or II, undergoing elective surgery requiring general anesthesia, for which use of a supraglottic airway would be appropriate. The overall insertion success rate was 96 % with a median insertion time of 25 (18-34) [7-100] s. Seventeen patients (24.3 %) experienced problems including the need for change of airway device, laryngospasm, device displacement, blood on device after removal, and postoperative sore throat. In conclusion, there was a moderate rate of problems when using the I-gel in children, and it was necessary to change the airway in a few patients to optimize ventilation.
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