Conditions for laryngeal mask insertion - A comparison of propofol versus sevoflurane with or without alfentanil

One hundred unpremedicated ASA 1 or 2 patients scheduled for elective surge ry were divided equally into four groups and recruited into this prospectiv e, randomised parallel groups study. Induction was with propofol 2.5 mg.kg( -1) or vital-capacity breath induction with sevoflurane (> 7% in the inspir atory gas) in 65% nitrous oxide and oxygen, or gaseous induction with sevof lurane plus alfentanil 5 mu g.kg(-1) or propofol 2.5 mg.kg(-1) and alfentan il 5 mu g.kg(-1). The conditions for laryngeal mask insertion were assessed and graded on a three-point scale using six variables. The overall conditi on for laryngeal mask insertion was assessed as excellent, satisfactory or poor on the basis of total score in each group. Excellent or satisfactory c onditions were observed in 25 (100%) patients in the sevoflurane-alfentanil group, 22 (88%) in the propofol-alfentanil group and 16 (64%) patients eac h in the propofol and sevoflurane groups (p < 0.001). A sevoflurane-alfenta nil combination provides better conditions for laryngeal mask insertion whe n compared with sevoflurane alone, or a propofol-alfentanil combination.