Comparative evaluation of I-gel vs. endotracheal intubation for adequacy of ventilation in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of newer supraglottic devices has been extended to laparoscopic procedures. We conducted this study to compare and evaluate the efficacy of these two devices in pediatric laparoscopic surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty children, 2–8 years of age, scheduled for elective short laparoscopic procedures were randomly allocated to the I-gel or endotracheal tube (ETT) group. Standard anesthesia protocol was followed for inhalational induction. I-gel or ETT was inserted according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Ventilation was set with tidal volume 10 ml/kg and a respiratory rate of 16/min. Carboperitoneum was achieved up to an intra-abdominal pressure of 12 mmHg. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome variable was adequacy of ventilation (peak airway pressure, end-tidal CO(2), minute ventilation, and S(P)O(2)). These variables were recorded after securing airway, after carboperitoneum and desufflation of the peritoneal cavity. The oropharyngeal leak pressures were also noted. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 17.0. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the heart rate or mean arterial pressure. There was a significant increase in the P(E)CO(2) and peak airway pressure after creation of carboperitoneum. There was significant increase in minute ventilation in both groups after creation of carboperitoneum. CONCLUSION: To conclude, I-gel is comparable to endotracheal intubation in terms of adequacy of ventilation. The increase in peak airway pressures is less with I-gel. In addition, postoperative complications are fewer with I-gel.