[Reduced sense of taste as a complication of the laryngeal mask use]

We report a unilateral lingual nerve paralysis following the use of a laryngeal mask airway in a 73-year-old man with hypertrophy of the prostate undergoing a TUR-P. The operation was performed in general anaesthesia using propofol, fentanyl, alfentanil and ventilation with 100% oxygen. The operation was uncomplicated and had a duration of two hours and twenty minutes. A week later the patient perceived a reduced sense of taste. Six months later the situation was unaltered.