Comparison of supraglottic airway devices I-Gel and LMA-Supreme in adults

Whenever the conventional laryngoscopy fails, insertion of supraglottic airway device may be indicated. The I-Gel and LMA-Supreme are both novel supraglottic airway devices which are disposable, cheap and aids the passage of gastric tube which helps in gastric drainage. Both the devices can be used as an adjunct to endotracheal intubation in patient with difficult airway. This prospective randomized, single blind study was designed to compare the supraglottic airway devices I-Gel and LMA-Supreme in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgeries. After obtaining the institutional ethical committee approval, 60 adult patients of ASA I and II physical status of either sex undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A I-Gel group (n=30) and Group B LMA-Supreme (n=30). The study showed no significant difference between the two groups based on demographic variables. The mean insertion time for LMA-Supreme is significantly lower than I-Gel (P<0.05). The airway leak pressure was comparable between the two devices. The first attempt success rate and the ease of insertion was significantly better in LMA-Supreme than I-Gel (P<0.05). There was no significant variation in the hemodynamic response in both the groups. Post-operative sore throat was noted in LMA-Supreme and blood staining was noted in I-Gel group. When compared with I-Gel LMA-Supreme has a higher first attempt success rate and also a lower insertion time.