A Comparative Study between Standard Weight‑Based Technique and Pinna Size-Based New Technique for Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway Size Selection in Pediatric Population

Uma Kamath; Shamala Dinkar Yashod; Madhulata Garasia

Uma Kamath King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Shamala Dinkar Yashod King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Madhulata Garasia King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Keywords: Auricle size, Children,, Laryngeal mask airway, Pinna size, Weight-based estimation

Abstract

Introduction: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a non-invasive supraglottic airway device designed to maintain the airway, which sits outside of and creates a seal around the larynx. In clinical practice, the most commonly used method for size estimation is the weight-based method. However, this may not be suitable due to lack of standardization in pediatric patients, emergencies, overweight, etc. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the new pinna size-based method for the estimation of LMA size.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 pediatric patients, aged under 15 years, undergoing ambulatory surgeries, belonging to American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) Grades I and II, were randomly divided into two groups: Weight-based and Pinna size-based estimation. Parameters such as number of attempts and change of size required were monitored.
Results: LMAs were inserted in both the groups in the first attempt. However, LMAs needed to be exchanged in 2% of cases in Group A and in 16% of cases in Group B.
Conclusion: Pinna size-based estimation for the size of LMA is a convenient and feasible alternative to the traditional weight-based estimation.

Author Biographies

Uma Kamath, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesia,

Shamala Dinkar Yashod, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

1Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesia,

Madhulata Garasia, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Professor, Department of Anesthesia,

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