[The laryngeal mask--an overview 1983-1993]

The laryngeal mask which was developed by Brain in 1981 and described for the first time in 1983 has been employed worldwide a million times since 1989. Traditionally, all anaesthesiologists are oriented towards the techniques of conventional mask anaesthesia or endotracheal intubation. This new alternative, however, amazes by its easy handling and its concept: insertion of the mask directly onto the larynx without irritating it and sealing the pharynx at the same time thus allowing sufficient ventilation. On the one hand, the laryngeal mask does not even fail in desperate cases of "can't intubate-can't ventilate", on the other hand, the new "old" problem reappears to the anaesthesiologist used to endotracheal intubation: mask anaesthesia and aspiration--a discussion which needs to be continued in case of the laryngeal mask. This is also true for the use of the laryngeal mask in emergency medicine and resuscitation. However, cases of difficult intubation may be greatly facilitated. All users appreciate the reliability of the laryngeal mask in daily routine even though some fear that more difficult and safer techniques of anaesthesia might be forgotten. The indications of the laryngeal mask expand rapidly at the moment and the fast trend in its spread might continue if this method is not discredited by violations of its contraindications: full stomach, extreme obesity and low compliance of the lungs.