Supraglottic Devices in Laparoscopic Surgery - A Review of Literature

Supraglottic Airway Devices (SAD) offer several advantages over endotracheal intubation including reduced hemodynamic response, decreased anaesthetic requirement for airway tolerance and lesser pharyngolaryngeal morbidity. Second generation SADs incorporate a drain tube in their construction to separate the respiratory and alimentary tract. They offer better oropharyngeal seal and improved protection against regurgitation and aspiration. Laparoscopic Surgery (LS) involves generation of pneumoperitoneum and positioning with head up or head down tilt with resultant cardiovascular and respiratory effects. LS offer the ultimate test for the efficacy of SAD use in the face of changes in intra-abdominal pressure and thoracic compliance. Careful choice of the anesthetic technique and patient selection has allowed effective use of SAD in LS. This review seeks to explore the use of second generation SAD with particular reference to PLMA, SLMA and i-gel in laparoscopic surgery. PLMA (Figure 1a) SLMA (Figure 1b) I-gel (Figure 1c) Year of introduction 200