The laryngeal mask airway: a survey of its usage in 1,096 patients

The frequency and pattern of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) usage in a regional general hospital has been studied. Data were collected prospectively by means of a standardized record sheet which was completed at the time of anesthetic administration. During a 19-month period 10,150 patients underwent surgical procedures requiring general or regional anesthesia, of which 1,096 (men/ women: 791/305, ASA 3 or 4: 350, mean age: 64 years) were managed with the LMA. A clinically pattern airway was provided in 99.75% of occasions of whom 44.4% breathed spontaneously and 55.3% underwent positive pressure ventilation. The monthly frequencies of LMA usage increased significantly during the second year of the survey (25.1% vs 12.8%). Problems were recorded in 16.3% of cases: air leak 8.0%, laryngospasm 1.8%, desaturation (SpO2 < or = 90%) 1.8%, severe hypercarbia (PETCO2 > or = 50 mmHg) 1.0%, regurgitation 0.09%, sore throat 3.4%. No patient required intensive care management postoperatively. There were five cases of failed intubation managed with the LMA. This survey has shown that LMA has a well established role in anesthetic practice. Use of this device is equally safe and effective for both controlled and spontaneous ventilation in a wide range of starve patients undergoing most types of surgery.