The effects of two-handed jaw thrust on i-gel™ placement in anesthetized non-paralyzed patients

I-gel^TM is a second-generation supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable cuff. In this prospective randomized investigation, we evaluated the effects of two-handed jaw thrust technique on i-gel insertion in anesthetized non-paralyzed patients.

Seventy-four adult patients were allocated to two groups (N.=37 each). In the jaw thrust group, two-handed jaw thrust technique was applied to facilitate i-gel insertion. In the control group, conventional i-gel insertion was performed. The success rate at the first attempt, air leakage pressure, insertion time, and postoperative sore throat incidence were recorded.

The success rate at the first attempt was higher in the jaw thrust group (37 [100%] vs. 31 [84%], difference of 16%, 95% confidence interval for the difference: 1 to 33%, P=0.03). The median air leakage pressure was higher in the jaw thrust group than in the control group (20 [interquartile range 13] vs. 17 [interquartile range 3] cmH2O, difference: 6, 95% confidence interval of the difference: 3 to 8, P<0.01). The mean insertion time was shorter in the jaw thrust group (27±14 vs. 41±29 seconds, difference: 14 seconds, 95% confidence interval of the difference: 3 to 24, P=0.01). The incidence of postoperative sore throat at the postoperative one hour was lower in the jaw thrust group (seven [20%] vs. 15 [41%], difference 22%, 95% confidence interval for the difference: -1 to 42%, P=0.04).

The two-handed jaw thrust technique facilitated i-gel insertion compared to the conventional technique in anesthetized non-paralyzed patients.