LARYNGEAL MASK INSERTION WITH A LARYNGOSCOPE IN PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS

Purpose: To assess epiglottic position after laryngeal mask airway (LM A) insertion with or without the use of a laryngoscope. Methods: A dou ble-blind randomized study. In 48 children an LMA (#2 for 6-20 kg, #2. 5 for 20-30 kg) was inserted either blindly or with the help of a lary ngoscope and its position assessed using fibreoptic endoscopy. Results : An unobstructed view of the glottis, as assessed by fibrescope, was observed in 10 of 25 patients in the laryngoscope group, but only in I of 22 patients in the blind insertion group (P = 0.005). Conclusion: This technique offers an alternative when the standard technique has f ailed, or when LMA insertion precedes bronchoscopy or intubation via t he laryngeal mask.