Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Pharyngolaryngeal Complications following Use of Baska Mask versus Endotracheal Intubation

BACKGROUND: Use of Baska Mask, since a supraglottic airway device, could result in low incidence of postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications. AIMS: The objectives were to compare the effect of Baska Mask versus endotracheal intubation on the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST), postoperative hoarseness of voice (POHV), and postoperative cough (POC). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective randomized study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching institute in 120 patients undergoing short laparoscopic surgeries. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Airway was secured using with low-pressure, high-volume cuffed endotracheal tube in Group T and with Baska Mask in Group B. POST, POC, and POHV were assessed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Those with Grade III score throat were managed by gargling with dispersible aspirin 75 mg. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and independent sample t-test were used as applicable. RESULTS: Group B patients required significantly more attempts at securing airway. Incidence of POST was significantly higher in Group T as compared to that Group B at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. POC was significantly more in Group T at 2, 6, and 12 h. No patient in Group B had POC at 12 and 24 h. POHV showed significantly higher incidence in Group T at 2 and 6 h. No patient in Group B had hoarseness at 6, 12, and 24 h. CONCLUSION: Use of Baska Mask as compared to endotracheal intubation significantly reduces the incidence and severity of pharyngolaryngeal complications such as POST, POC, and POHV in patients undergoing short laparoscopic surgeries.