In this retrospective propensity-score-matched pediatric cohort, a laryngeal mask airway-assisted non-intubated spontaneous ventilation anesthesia was feasible and was not associated with worse perioperative outcomes than a conventional endotracheal intubation anesthesia. A lower observed incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was noted. Given regimen-level differences, prospective studies with standardized analgesia are needed to confirm safety and potential benefits.
Chen et al. (Fri,) studied this question.