I-Gel versus Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway in Pediatric Airway Management: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim: To compare the insertion characteristics of supraglottic airway devices I-Gel and Proseal laryngeal mask airway
(PLMA) in pediatric airway management during elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Methodology: This prospective
randomized comparative study was conducted in 60 pediatric patients divided into two groups of 30 each (Group I and
Group P), aged 1 to 5 years and belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class 1 and 2 posted for elective
surgeries under general anesthesia. In Group I, I-Gel was used and in Group P, PLMA was used. The primary outcome of the
study was to assess proper placement of airway devices with adequate oropharyngeal sealing and the secondary outcomes
were time taken for insertion, ease of insertion, number of attempts, hemodynamic changes associated with insertion of
the device, ease of gastric tube passage and complications. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 25. Quantitative
variables were analyzed through independent sample t-test and categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square test.
P value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The demographic data, insertion time and number of attempts
were comparable in both the groups. Placement of I-Gel was better in comparison with that of PLMA and was statistically
significant (p - 0.010). Conclusion: I-Gel is a better supraglottic airway device when compared to PLMA in terms of ease of
insertion and proper placement and there are no significant hemodynamic changes with insertion of both devices.