Comparison of I-Gel and LMA-supreme Laryngeal Mask Airway in Laparoscopic Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Study

Background: The LMA Supreme (LMA) and the i-gel are two supra-glottic airway devices, which offer potential benefits in general anaesthesia.

Aims: The aim of this study was to observe benefits of LMA Supreme over i-gel for ventilation in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Settings and Design: We performed a prospective randomized study on 100 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in our hospital.

Patients and Method: Hundred selected patients, who underwent laparoscopic surgery, of age ranging from 20-55 years, were randomized into two equal groups. In the group I (n=50) LMA SUPREME (No.3 & 4) and group II (n=50) i-gel (No. 3 & 4) were introduced for ventilation during general anaesthesia. In this study, we compared the insertion success rate and ventilation profile between the LMA Supreme and the i-gel groups undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The first-time success rate, insertion time, ease of insertion of gastric tube and complications were analysed.

Statistical analysis: Unpaired 't' test & 'Z' test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: We found better first time success rate, and fewer failures with the LMA Supreme compared with the i-gel, indicating that the LMA Supreme may be preferable for mechanical ventilation in laparoscopic surgeries.

Conclusion: LMA Supreme has an edge over the i-gel with respect to ease of insertion of device and gastric tube with minimal complication in mechanical ventilation for routine laparoscopic surgery.