A Comparative Study of the Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) Insertion by Three Different Technique I.E. Introducer, Digital and Stylet

Background: Supraglottic airway devices have been widely used as an alternative to tracheal intubation during general anesthesia. Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) is an effective alternative to ETT with inflatable cuff forming pressure seal around laryngeal inlet and permitting ventilation. In view of this, the present study was undertaken to compare the different insertion techniques to insert PLMA in adult patients undergoing elective surgeries. Methodology: Ninety patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia belonging to ASA grade I and II were included in the study and were randomly divided into three groups with 30 patients in each group. In Group I (n=30), PLMA was inserted using introducer, in Group II (n=30) PLMA was inserted using digit and in group III (n=30) PLMA was inserted using stylet. Groups were compared in relation to number of attempts, insertion time, ease of insertion, orogastric tube insertion and, hemodynamic changes. Results: The success first attempt rate for placement of PLMA was highest with introducer as compared to digit or stylet and the results were statistically significant (p=0.029). The mean time of insertion for PLMA using introducer was 27.03±4.08 seconds which was shortest whereas with digit it was highest 35.27±4.97 (p=0.000) and by using stylet 31.33±3.12 seconds. There was no change in hemodynamic after the insertion of PLMA with either technique. Conclusion: To conclude introducer technique of PLMA insertion was best as compared to digit and stylet technique.