Complications following the use of the Combitube, tracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway

In a prospective, randomised trial, 75 patients scheduled for routine surge ry were randomly allocated to one of three groups to evaluate trauma and po stoperative complications after insertion of the Combitube, tracheal tube o r laryngeal mask airway Insertion of the Combitube was associated with a hi gher incidence of sore throat (48% vs. 16% vs. 12% [p < 0.01]) and dysphagi a (68% vs. 12% vs. 8% [p < 0.01]) compared with tracheal intubation or inse rtion of the laryngeal mask airway, respectively. Hoarseness was significan tly less common in both the Combitube and the laryngeal mask groups (both 1 2%) than in the tracheal tube group (44%; p<0.01). Haematoma occurred in 36 % of the Combitube group compared with 4% in both the laryngeal mask and th e tracheal tube groups (p<0.01). The higher incidence of complications shou ld be considered when using the Combitube.