Air Q Blocker LMA in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - A Pilot Study

BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the performance characteristics of Air Q Blocker laryngeal mask airway in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy laying importance on the oropharyngeal leak pressure of the device as an indicator of the safety and efficacy of its seal. MATERIAL AND METHODS After obtaining clearance from the local ethical committee, this pilot study was conducted on 40 adult, ASA I-II grade patients posted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia technique was standardized for all patients. Air Q Blocker of appropriate size was inserted and its position was confirmed. Intraabdominal pressures and flow rates were kept at 12 mm Hg and 2.5 L/min maximum respectively. The primary outcome measured was oropharyngeal leak pressure and its margin of safety. Secondary outcomes included the time for insertion, attempts of insertion, ease of nasogastric tube placement, haemodynamic parameters, ventilation characteristics and postoperative complications. RESULT The success rate of first attempt insertion was 95 %. Mean time for insertion was 13.70 3.05 seconds. Success of 1st attempt Gastric Tube Insertion was (95 %). Mean oropharyngeal leak pressure was 33.76 cm H2O. Mean level of margin of safety was 11.14 cm H2O. .10 % of patients had a sore throat and 5 % of patients had mild airway trauma. Ventilation was adequate in all patients, minimal haemodynamic variation and there was no incidence of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION A properly positioned Air Q Blocker proved to be a suitable and safe device for airway management in fasting, adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries. Despite of high airway pressures, it provided effective pulmonary ventilation without gastric distention, regurgitation, and aspiration.