Downfolding of the epiglottis induced by the laryngeal mask airwayTM in children: a comparison between two insertion techniques

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of the downfolding of the epiglottis in children during insertion of the laryngeal mask airway (LMATM) using the standard technique and an alternative technique with the cuff partially inflated. METHODS: Eighty paediatric patients were randomized into two groups and were anaesthetized using the LMA inserted with one of the two techniques. RESULTS: There was no difference in the successful rate of insertion, fibreoptic findings and the lowest intraoperative SpO2 between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The partially inflated cuff insertion technique does not increase the incidence of the downfolding of the epiglottis in children and would be an acceptable alternative to the standard technique.