Comparison of classic laryngeal mask airway with Ambu laryngeal mask for tracheal tube exchange: A prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Exchanging endotracheal tube (ETT) with classic laryngeal mask airway™ (CLMA™) prior to emergence from anaesthesia is a safe technique to prevent the coughing and haemodynamic changes during extubation. We had compared CLMA™ and AMBU laryngeal mask™ (ALM™) during ETT/laryngeal mask (LM) for haemodynamic changes and other parameters. METHODS: A total of 100 American Society of Anesthesiologist Grade I and II adult female patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 50 patients each. In Group I, CLMA™ and in Group II, ALM™ was placed prior to tracheal extubation. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded during ETT/LM exchange. Glottic view was seen through the LM using flexible fibrescope. Coughing/bucking during removal of LM, ease of placement and post-operative sore throat for both groups were graded and recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data within the groups was analysed using paired t-test while between the groups was analysed using unpaired t-test. Chi-square test was used to analyse grades of glottic view, coughing, and post-operative sore throat. RESULTS: In Group I, there was a significant rise in systolic blood pressure and heart rate in contrast to insignificant rise in Group II. Glottis view was significantly better in Group II. Incidence of coughing, ease of placement and post-operative sore throat was identical between both groups. CONCLUSION: ALM™ is superior to CLMA™ for exchange of ETT before extubation due to greater haemodynamic stability during exchange phase and is better positioned.